Key updates highlight at 1,001 Rice Genome Program assembly

FORMER Science secretary and current Academician William G. Padolina (seated, sixth from left) is among the attendees of the Annual General Assembly of 1,001 Rice Genome Program held at a resort in Los Baños, Laguna.

Advances in rice genomics, phenotyping, and bioinformatics for climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties.

These were highlight during the Annual General Assembly of the “Philippine Rice Genomics and Bioinformatics for High-Yielding, Nutritious, and Climate-Resilient Rice” program, reinforcing collaborative research efforts toward strengthening the country’s rice research and food security agenda.

Co-organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), the assembly gathered researchers and partner institutions under the 1,001 Rice Genome Program (1k1RGP) to assess the project accomplishments.

It also served as a platform to align ongoing initiatives with program targets, and strengthen collaborative directions in rice genomics and bioinformatics research.

Representing the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the Crops Research Division (CRD) participated in the discussions on advancing genomics-enabled rice breeding and capacity development opportunities.

Dr. Loida M. Perez of DA-PhilRice reported the progress in phenotyping the 1,001 Philippine Traditional Rice Varieties, including evaluation of traits associated with early maturing, herbicide tolerance, anaerobic germination tolerance, and nutrition-related traits including iron and zinc content on milled rice, low phytic acid levels, protein content and essential amino acids.

Results of the study will contribute to the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aimed at identifying genomic regions linked to important agronomic and nutritional traits for rice breeding.

Meanwhile, Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz of UPLB presented key developments in the genomics and bioinformatics component of the program. Notable milestones include initial sequencing activities, protocol optimization, molecular evaluation, and database portal development for genomic information management.

Members of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) Scientific Advisory Board also shared expert insights and technical recommendations to strengthen program implementation.

Discussions emphasized harmonization of key technical terminologies, accessibility of digital sequence information, timely delivery of research outputs to stakeholders, particularly rice farmers, and continued investment in human resource development and talent retention.

Attending PAASE members include former DOST Secretary and Academician William G. Padolina, Dr. Giselle P. Concepcion of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Dr. Michael D. Purugganan of the New York University, Dr. Rod A. Wing of the University of Arizona, Dr. Rigoberto C. Advincula of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Dr. Maria Marjorette O. Peña of the University of South Carolina, and Dr. Gladys Cherisse J. Completo of UPLB.

CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina commended UPLB, DA-PhilRice, and partner agencies for their valuable contribution to advancing rice research in the country. She also reaffirmed the commitment of DOST-PCAARRD to extend its support in capacitating and providing opportunities to the talented researchers through the Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology program.

The activity was also attended by the representatives from various partner institutions, including the International Rice Research Institute, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, National Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture, and several UPLB and UP Diliman research institutes.

Also in attendance from DOST-PCAARRD were Industry Strategic S&T Program Manager for Rice Alvin Quiel C. Sabanal and Technical Support Staff for Rice Thrina A. Lanip.