USM CBDEM Student Orgs Give Back to Campus Tricycle Drivers
April 25, 2025
USM Advances Fiscal Oversight Through Technical Budget Hearing, Project Validation
April 28, 2025
Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, Professor Emeritus from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), was recently recognized as one of the 2024 Filipino Faces of Biotechnology (FFOB) by the Department of Agriculture – Biotechnology Program Office(DA-BPO). He was named Outstanding Leader in Plant Breeding Biotechnology for High-Value Crops and received the award during the FFOB ceremonies held on December 5, 2024,at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
His groundbreaking contributions in the field, especially in advancing disease detection and fermentation techniques, have significantly enhanced biotechnology applications in Philippine agriculture.Talking with UPRIO, Dr. Barlaan shared not only his gratitude,but also his insights into what it means to be a Filipino scientist.
He said he is grateful to make a remarkable impact in the lives of farmers. He uttered that the recognition represents more than a personal achievement, for him it is also celebration of the dedication of researchers and institutions like USM that consistently strive to produce research that is meaningful and practical.
“I am grateful for the D.A Biotech for recognizing the effort,” he shared. “At least it will become an inspiration to students,researchers, faculty, as well as to the industry in doing more research in biotechnology. I’m happy that they recognize the effort of USM. Hindi sayang ang effort namin at nakakatulong sa industry. Maraming natulungan na farmers, iyon ang purpose: na may kabuluhan ang research, at ginagamit ito ng tao.” the professor emeritus remarked.
For Dr. Barlaan, the journey in science is not just about laboratory breakthroughs or academic milestones, it is about making research relevant, empowering communities, and ensuring that Filipino innovation leads to lasting change. His story as one of the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology serves as a reminder of the quiet, but powerful work being done by Filipino scientists and how their efforts continue to shape the future of agriculture in the country.
Gemmuel Eladia, Rosalin Lampao | USM DevCom Interns
