The presenters of the 7th Annual Basic Research Symposium gather onstage to answer questions from the audience held on October 19, 2023.

The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conducted its 7th Annual Basic Research Symposium at the Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City last 19 October 2023.

Bearing the theme "Exploring Untapped and Rare Environmental Sources for Advancing Medicine and Pharmacy", the event featured presentations of research done by members of the academe from various universities, particularly from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, Diliman, and Cebu.

“The annual symposium organized by the DOST-NRCP serves as a crucial platform for mobilizing scientists and experts,” said DOST Sec. Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. “It facilitates the dissemination of research findings, the exchange of knowledge, and the alignment of research studies with national interest and the concerns of the general public.”

“Through our research and exploration, we hope to bring us closer to our goal of uncovering the potential natural remedies and cures that can improve the well-being of our communities,” said DOST-NRCP President Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio. “By providing a space for researchers to share their findings and engage in meaningful discussions, we are laying the foundation for future discoveries.”

Included in the symposium were the studies "Bat Guano against Pathogenic Bacteria" presented by Dr. Marian P. De Leon; "Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Natural Product against Mastitis in Dairy Cattle" presented by Dr. Rodney H. Perez; "Mining the Microbial Dark Matter: Metagenomic-driven Approaches for Natural Product Discovery" presented by Dr. Ron Leonard V. Dy; "Cultivating the Uncultivable: Isolation of Novel Bacteria using iChip" presented by Dr. Jose Enrico H. Lazaro; "Antibiotic Discovery in Mainit Springs" presented by Dr. Fleurdeliz Maglangit; and "Alternative Approach to Bioprospecting for Oligotrophic Bacteria and Yeasts in Mount Makiling" presented by Mr. Noel H. Tan Gana.

In line with the DOST's priority programs of human resource development and job creation through science, technology, and innovation, all these studies were funded by the department and the NRCP.

The presenters discussed the importance and the challenges of overcoming antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has emerged from the overuse of antibiotics, both by humans and livestock. AMR occurs when bacteria and microbes, such as parasites, viruses, and fungi, change in response to the use of medicines. As AMR rises, novel antimicrobials must be found to combat it. The researchers each highlighted different sources of these new antimicrobials in their studies, most of which can be found in the country’s natural resources, particularly in caves, mountains, and springs.

“As we see the rise of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to find new, effective antimicrobials,” Richelle Ann M. Manalo-Cabalinan of the NRCP’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Division said. “We are fortunate that the Philippines is blessed with an abundant landscape. These unconventional sources could be game changers in our fight against antimicrobial resistance.”

“Today’s presentations underscore the vital role of collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in advancing our research,” Manalo-Cabalinan also said. “Bringing together diverse experts not only enhances each other’s contributions but also fosters an even more holistic approach.”

Student collaborators from UP Los Baños and Mapua University also presented their own studies and respective posters while the main presenters commented on their projects.

“Today’s basic research symposium is more than just academic enterprise. It is an opportunity to ignite our passion for science in the hearts and minds of the general public especially the youth,” NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda said. “We, from the DOST-NRCP, are committed to the dissemination of knowledge through platforms like the basic research symposium.”

The NRCP promotes and supports the continuing improvement of the research capability of scientists by providing grants-in-aid for studies that would hone the expertise of scientists and their staff. (By Jacqueline R. Parairo, DOST-STII)