Text By: Kyle Samuel E. Aniñon, DOST PCIEERD
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist Dr. Rhudith B. Cabulong marked the formal completion of her short-term engagement with the University of Mindanao (UM) through an Exit Report Presentation (ERP) highlighting institutional strengthening, research innovation, and capacity building in microbial and nano-enabled biotechnology.
During the event, Dr. Cabulong stressed the need to strengthen the country’s biosafety systems, especially by creating clear guidelines for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). She also emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping, effective monitoring, and the safe disposal of antibiotic-resistant strains to ensure that laboratory and industrial work remains safe and responsible.
“Dr. Cabulong’s engagement at the University of Mindanao clearly demonstrates that strengthening microbiology is foundational to the Philippines’ competitiveness in biotechnology. As we advance in synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and nano-enabled innovations, we must equally reinforce our microbiology education, laboratory capacity, biosafety frameworks, and regulatory systems,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Dr. Cabulong proceeds with the introduction of UM to the Microbiology Consortium of the Philippines (MCP) in her Exit Report Presentation, granting access to harmonized curricula in General Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Microbial Physiology, and Industrial Microbiology. She gave hands-on molecular cloning training for UMBEL on-the-job trainees. Development of seven capsule research proposals in nanotechnology and metabolic engineering. Delivery of 22 lectures and four workshops on metabolic engineering. Documentation of 13 laboratory protocols supporting UMBEL operations and biomass valorization initiatives.
A message from Undersecretary Leah Buendia described Dr. Cabulong’s engagement as substantial in institutional impact.
“While the duration may have been short, the knowledge exchange and institutional strengthening have been significant,” Usec. Buendia said.
She emphasized that Dr. Cabulong’s expertise in synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and bio-based innovations align with the country’s need to strengthen its science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
“This is the heart of our mission—Agham na Ramdam,” she said, linking the engagement to DOST’s “Horizons” strategies.
“Among Dr. Cabulong’s key accomplishments was introducing University of Mindanao to the Microbiology Consortium of the Philippines (MCP)” DOST-PCIEERD OIC Deputy Director Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial said. “The university gained access to harmonized microbiology syllabi covering General Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, and Food Microbiology. As a new MCP member institution, UM now benefits from exclusive lectures, workshops, training programs, and collaboration opportunities with microbiology experts nationwide.”
Dr. Cabulong also cited systemic research challenges, including procurement delays for chemicals, enzymes, and engineered microorganisms, which may take three to six months locally compared to faster systems abroad. These constraints, she noted, affect productivity and require collaborative resource-sharing strategies among laboratories.
The award ceremony was led by Ms. Glenda Sacbibit of the Human Resources and Institution Development Division of DOST-PCIEERD.
Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation Joel B. Tan reaffirmed the University of Mindanao’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with DOST initiatives, particularly the Balik Scientist Program.
