LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA (13 January 2025) — Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa visited the soon-to-open Agri-Genomics Research Center (AGRC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the country’s first national hub for agricultural genomics.

Construction of the AGRC is now 78% complete, bringing the Philippines’ future flagship center for agricultural genomics, research, training, and collaboration closer to reality. Funded by a six-year, USD 14.95 million Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) project, the facility is being developed in partnership with UPLB and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Ahead of its expected inauguration in September this year, IRRI is providing technical expertise and guidance in setting up laboratories for multi-omics research on crops, livestock, and microorganisms.

Ambassador Lee observed the progress of the project and highlighted that UPLB is currently the only university in the Philippines focusing on agricultural genomics at this scale.

“We are proud to see this facility take shape as a national hub for research and development,” he said. “It strengthens the initiative’s national impact, and we look forward to its role in promoting R&D activities, including other universities interested in genomics.”

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. said, “AGRC will be a platform for innovation and a showcase of agricultural technologies. As the regional hub of the Global Agricultural Technology Network, UPLB is well-positioned to strengthen both regional and international agricultural research.”

Furthermore, the AGRC will train the next generation of scientists, welcoming several Korean government-funded PhD scholars, including those from Handong Global University, to return and conduct research. IRRI will provide hands-on training in agricultural genomics for these students.

Building on this, IRRI’s Research Director for Rice Breeding Innovations, Dr. Michael Quinn, highlighted how strong partnerships provide young scientists with the mentorship, facilities, and training necessary to excel in agricultural research.

“Through the collaboration of KOICA, UPLB, and IRRI, AGRC will equip the next generation of researchers to make a lasting impact on agriculture across the Philippines and the region,” he said.