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Bioresource Production Technology Center (BioProTeC)

I. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In line with the vision of the university as high quality corporate S and T University, there is a need to explore advance areas in the field of natural sciences through strengthening its research facilities. Considering the flagship program of SLSU-Bontoc is on aquatic, agricultural and applied life sciences, it is of the essence to focus its researches on the generation of relevant production and postproduction management technology and utilization of biological resources to ensure a safe and stable food supply and sustainable production of raw materials for industrial purposes. In Southern Leyte, crops, livestocks and fisheries have been the major source of livelihood among its populace. The geographical features of the Leyte Island specifically the southern part of Leyte is reach of natural and diverse biological resources with potential industrial use e.g. fortified foods to address malnutrition and food security, high density medicated feeds for efficient feed conversion ratio for animals; drug/pharmaceutical from indigenous marine and inland organisms; septic planting materials and improvement of food quality after harvest and processing. The center which is intended to house the different research fields under Bioresource Production Technology will provide a systematic and practical investigation from evaluation of genetic resources to the logistical and environmental requirements of a bioresource and their potential industrial uses. It is expected to enhance the level of fundamental research and develop applied technologies with respect to the production and management of plant, animal and aquatic resources.

II. VISION

A leading research center on bioresource production technology that promotes sustainable utilization of naturally available biological materials in the service area through the conduct of innovative researches in deriving high value bio-based products.

III. MISSION

Promote and facilitate faculty and student researches in the areas of biological material utilization and management, especially in aquatic, animal and plant resources. Further, the Center disseminates knowledge on biological material utilization and conservation through human capacity building.

IV. OBJECTIVES

• To provide equipment, facilities and technical support for instruction and relevant & up-to-date research and training for sustainable biological material utilization and management;
• To promote research, education and training in the field of life sciences particularly in the conduct of basic and applied studies on sustainable utilization of biological materials;
• To harness biological materials for industrial use through biotechnological approaches in coming up with novel high value products and initiatives, such as drugs and medicine, food and feeds, and the conservation of the environment.

V. RESEARCH DIVISION

Aquatic Resource Division. This division concerns mainly on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of fresh water and marine organisms. Further, this division focuses with the study and understanding the basic biology, chemistry and behavioral characteristics of inland and aquatic plants and animals and their environment. Extraction and characterization of important biologically derived compounds with potential industrial use e.g. drugs/pharmaceuticals, food supplements and other biotechnological applications, will be explored.

Plant Resource Division. This division is intended to perform qualitative and quantitative improvement of the production of field crops, fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants and forestry. It will deal with understanding of the basic problems about the improvement of productivity by creating artificial environments such as greenhouses, and the technological examination of production facilities, along with relationship and behavioral characteristics of plants and their environment. Further, extraction and characterization of important biologically derived compounds with potential industrial use e.g. drugs/pharmaceuticals, food supplements and other biotechnological applications will be explored. This division will also cater micro plant propagation or tissue culture of economically important plant species.

Animal Resource Division. This division provides research programs concerning the culture, propagation/reproduction, feeding, pathology, conservation and environment of domestic terrestrial and aquatic animals from the integrated viewpoint of biology, chemistry and physical environment. Utilization of important animal product for industrial purposes is of major area to explore in this division.

Postproduction Technology Division. This division initiates research programs on developing technologies that minimize losses and wastage of food and other bioresources through but not limited to processing, manufacturing and storage. Basic research and investigation on the processes and function involving quality deterioration of economically important bioresources could be innovated through the development of chemical, biotechnological and up-to-date techniques. This
division aims at making fruitful use of applied technology to maintain nutritional or commercial value of important bioresources. Specific study on the understanding of the utilization process of food from its production to ingestion will also be given preferential efforts in this division. Hence, basic studies on the chemical, physical, nutritional, microbiological foundation of quality deterioration will be conducted under this division.

Biotechnology Division.  This division serves as central analytical and support laboratory for the conduct of biotechnology-related studies on bioresources (plant, animal, aquatic organisms and microorganisms) production technology.

VI. MANAGEMENT OF THE CENTER

The Center will be managed by a Center Director who manages the day-to-day operation of the Center. Each Division will be headed by a faculty who has relevant academic or work experience related to the field.

Further, the Center Director shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Ensures the Center meets the university’s Vision/Mission and come up with strategic direction to accomplish relevant research output;
• Spearheads the formulation of Center’s research agenda and prepares plans and targets to foster research activities and programs
• Facilitates the establishment of research partnerships with external agencies, especially in agriculture, fisheries, health, and the like.
• Coordinate closely with the Deans of the different Colleges in the implementation of research program/projects
• Promotes and disseminates R and D programs/projects for awareness of the public;
• Prepares and submit report to the university officials;
• Supervises the different Divisions;
• Performs other functions as directed.