4-Day Hands-On Training Strengthens UM Research Skills in Metabolic Engineering

Davao City, Philippines — The University of Mindanao successfully conducted a four-day hands-on training on competent cell preparation, DNA transformation techniques, and DNA assembly using Gibson Assembly for metabolic engineering from December 9 to 12, 2025, at the UM Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory (UMBEL).

The training was led by Dr. Angelo Bañares, a DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist with extensive education, training, and research experience in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology in France and South Korea. The program was organized by the Research and Innovation Center, Human Resource Management and Development, and the College of Health Sciences Education (CHSE) of the University of Mindanao, in partnership with Kinovette Scientific.

Special recognition was given to Dr. Roel Nickelson M. Solano, Program Head of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Medical Laboratory Science, and Ms. Shaina Lou Palar, a DOST CIP Fellow, for co-organizing the activity.

At the end of the workshop, participating faculty members from the College of Health Sciences Education and the College of Arts and Sciences Education were tasked with designing their own metabolic pathways for producing various compounds. The participants presented innovative and well-structured designs, showing strong understanding of the laboratory techniques discussed during the training. Among the participants was Dr. Terence Al Abaquita, a DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist, further highlighting the collaborative nature of the activity.

The training supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening research capacity, encouraging innovation, and promoting institutional collaboration.

The activity also underscores the continuing impact of the DOST Balik Scientist Program, which brings international expertise back to the country to enhance local research capabilities, transfer advanced skills, and help Philippine institutions remain competitive in emerging fields such as metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.