The UPLB BIOTECH event held at LPU Cavite marked a significant stride in fostering knowledge sharing and capacity building in agricultural, food, and livelihood industries. This two-day session was a comprehensive immersion into the technologies and services developed by UPLB BIOTECH, centered on the theme of Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing in alignment with the call of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event was held on November 15-16, 2023. The event was a collaboration between the Center for Research and Development, Community Outreach and Service Learning, College of Allied Medical Sciences, and the teams of SDG 1, 2 and 8.

The series of capacity building and knowledge-sharing activities conducted by UPLB BIOTECH at LPU Cavite were intricately designed to align with and contribute significantly to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations. Through a holistic approach encompassing workshops, interactive learning sessions, and practical demonstrations, these initiatives directly address the following SDGs:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By focusing on agriculture, food production, disease resistance in plants, and livestock probiotics, the event aimed to enhance food security, agricultural productivity, and nutritional sustainability within local communities.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Workshops and discussions on animal health probiotics and dairy product technologies aimed to improve animal health standards and promote better-quality food products for enhanced human health.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Demonstrations on livelihood programs, including tocino processing, puto making, and dairy product production, sought to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth within the community.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Showcasing innovative technologies in agriculture and food production aimed to foster sustainable industrialization and innovation among participants.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasizing sustainable food production practices, such as the use of natural colorants and starter cultures, aimed to promote responsible consumption patterns and sustainable production methods.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaborative efforts between UPLB BIOTECH and LPU Cavite exemplify the importance of partnerships and collective action towards achieving sustainable development objectives, emphasizing the value of academia and institutional collaborations.

The event commenced with a series of interactive learning sessions on the first day, orchestrated by distinguished speakers who delved into various facets of BIOTECH’s innovative products and technologies. Dr. Ronilo Violanta set the stage by introducing the spectrum of advancements developed by BIOTECH, focusing on their applications in agriculture, food, and feed industries. Following this insightful introduction, Mr. Nico Dumandan engaged attendees with a comprehensive discussion on animal probiotics, illuminating their role in enhancing livestock and aquaculture. COSeL invited farmers from the Halik at Yakap Multipurpose Cooperative of Baylen Cavite as the participants in the event, for applications of learned innovations in their farming practices.

Invited farmers from Yakap at Halik Multipurpose Cooperative

The sessions continued with Ms. Alyssa De Castro and Ms. Irene Papa sharing actionable insights on fortifying plants against diseases, emphasizing the pivotal role of proactive measures in ensuring plant health. Dr. Jeffrey Tamayo, a distinguished UP University Researcher, elucidated on the diverse services offered by UPLB BIOTECH, highlighting the institution’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and resources to various sectors.

Rounding off the day’s enlightening discourse was Ms. Jennifer Saguibo, who shed light on starter culture for dairy products, elucidating on its significance in the production of high-quality dairy items. The second day of the event was dedicated to practical demonstrations aimed at bolstering livelihood programs within communities. As recipients of the livelihood program of LPU Cavite, the members of  Nagkakaisang Kababaihan of General Trias were invited to join the training sessions. The UPLB team showcased various techniques, including tocino processing and puto making using Monascus colorant, as well as the art of crafting yogurt and white cheese from fresh carabao milk.

Demonstration on Cheese-making using Monascus

Yogurt-making with Partner Community

Culinary Students’ participation in the Training Session

The event’s significance resonates deeply with the call of the UN SDGs, particularly in response to the goal of sustainable development and poverty alleviation. By imparting knowledge, showcasing technological advancements, and providing hands-on demonstrations, the event empowered communities to enhance their agricultural practices, food production, and livelihood opportunities. It exemplified a concerted effort towards fostering sustainable practices and fostering economic growth within communities, aligning with the global agenda of achieving a sustainable and inclusive future for all. The collaborative efforts between UPLB BIOTECH and LPU Cavite in organizing this event epitomize a shared commitment to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and empowering communities to actively contribute towards achieving the UN SDGs.