The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the Kasanggang Niche Centers in the Region (NICER) in Functional Food Excellence (KNIF2E) Laboratory, a state-of-the-art research facility focused on functional food research and development (R&D) in Western Visayas.
Located at the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City, the KNIF2E Laboratory highlights DOST’s commitment to transforming local agricultural resources into health-focused food products. The research will focus on sugarcane, legumes, lagundi, and cacao to address nutrition concerns while boosting opportunities for farmers and food manufacturers.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “The KNIF2E laboratory reflects DOST’s dedication to creating solutions through functional food R&D. Concentrating on the following crops can address nutrition-related concerns while providing new opportunities for our local farmers and food manufacturing industries to thrive.”
The laboratory operates in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the USA, with the SPC-FUEL for Health program leading efforts to turn these crops into innovative food solutions.
Key research projects include:
- Project ASUCAR: Led by USA’s Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) with Pharma GalenX and DOST Region VI.
- PULSES Project: Conducted in partnership with the University of St. La Salle Bacolod and Herbanext Laboratories.
- CHOCO CARE Project: Spearheaded by USA’s Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) and Malagos Chocolates.
DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya highlighted the laboratory’s purpose: “The KNIF2E Laboratory showcases how science and technology (S&T) through R&D can transform our agricultural resources into functional food products that promote better health and nutrition.”
The KNIF2E Laboratory is a collaboration of government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners working together to develop food products that improve health and support the agricultural sector. “This partnership brings functional food R&D closer to the communities it seeks to serve,” Dr. Montoya added.
DOST’s laboratory strengthens the Philippines’ capacity for functional food research and underscores the link between health, agriculture, and economic growth.
“Functional food research is important for addressing nutrition and health concerns while supporting agricultural sustainability,” Secretary Solidum concluded. “We at the DOST are proud to support research initiatives like this, ensuring that every region can contribute to national development, one project at a time.”
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