National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - UP Visayas

📢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃

We are pleased to announce that 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 for the Orientation Training on Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. 🧬

Thank you for the overwhelming interest and enthusiastic response from UPV students. This strong engagement reflects a strong commitment to advancing laboratory skills and research readiness, particularly for those undertaking their thesis and other scientific work.

📩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙩. 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙐𝙋 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨.

We look forward to welcoming you to the training and supporting your use of NIMBB laboratory spaces, equipment, and research facilities.

Stay tuned for future training opportunities!

Unlock your research potential with our 𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮, 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮! 🧬

Designed for UPV students, this program provides essential hands-on training in core laboratory practices—emphasizing precision, accuracy, and strict adherence to biosafety standards. More than just an introduction, it is a critical step for students preparing for or currently undertaking their thesis, offering guided exposure to the proper use of NIMBB laboratory spaces, standard equipment, and available research facilities. 🔬🥼🧬

By strengthening your technical competencies and immersing you in standard laboratory workflows, this training empowers you to confidently design experiments, generate reliable data, and fully maximize institutional research resources—key to producing high-quality and impactful scientific outputs.

📅 27 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 2026
📍 𝙉𝙄𝙈𝘽𝘽 𝙇𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙐𝙋 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨
🔬 𝙉𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙚𝙚 | 𝙇𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.
🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/OrientationforUPVStudents
or scan the QR code on the poster!

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨: 𝙒𝙑𝙎𝙐 𝘽𝙎 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 (𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙠) 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 1 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙊𝙣-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝙅𝙤𝙗 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 (𝙊𝙅𝙏) 𝙖𝙩 𝙐𝙋𝙑–𝙉𝙄𝙈𝘽𝘽

Eight (8) trainees from the Bachelor of Science in Biology (Biotechnology Track) program of West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Iloilo City Campus successfully completed their On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), University of the Philippines Visayas, from January 12 to February 6, 2026. 🧬

The training program provided the students with intensive hands-on exposure to laboratory techniques in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, and fisheries sciences, enabling them to develop essential laboratory competencies and research skills. Throughout the training, the interns performed a range of laboratory procedures, including fish and catfish dissection, DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, and quality assessment to ensure the integrity of genetic material for downstream molecular analyses. They also conducted Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays for DNA amplification and applied agarose gel electrophoresis to separate and visualize nucleic acid fragments.🐟🧬🧪

Under the supervision of Mr. Kenn G. Nombre and Ms. Lourence Mae P. Feo, the trainees assisted in the preparation, processing, and analysis of samples for the BioFloc and Shrimp ARGs projects. They also supported laboratory experiments conducted for students from Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School. Through hands-on experimental assistance, troubleshooting laboratory procedures, and addressing technical challenges, the trainees further developed their technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while strengthening their communication and collaboration abilities essential in professional laboratory environments.🦐🧬

In addition, the trainees assisted in facilitating a hosted hands-on training on microbial and molecular biology techniques. Prior to the activity, they underwent intensive orientation and technical demonstrations that enabled them to guide participants through each stage of the workflow—from nucleic acid isolation to DNA amplification and visualization of DNA fragments. This experience not only strengthened their technical competence but also enhanced their teamwork and leadership skills.🧫🦠🧬

To broaden their understanding of biotechnology applications across diverse scientific fields, the trainees also participated in laboratory tours and research immersion activities at several institutions, including the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), the Regional Research Center (RRC), and the Philippine Genome Center Visayas. These visits provided valuable insights into ongoing research in aquatic biodiversity, fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, microbiological and molecular diagnostics, materials science, applied chemistry, food and nutrition, as well as genomics, bioinformatics, and advanced sequencing technologies.🧬🔬🥼

Overall, the OJT program provided meaningful exposure to real-world scientific research, strengthening the trainees’ technical proficiency and critical thinking skills, and preparing them for future careers in biotechnology, molecular biology, fisheries science, and genetic research. 🧬🧑‍🔬👩‍🔬

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨: 𝙉𝙄𝙈𝘽𝘽 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) successfully conducted a Hands-on Training on Basic Microbial and Molecular Biology Techniques on 5 February 2026 for graduate students and research staff, under Dr. Sheila Santander-De Leon. The training provided the participants with an opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical laboratory skills.

The activity consisted of structured laboratory sessions that included orientation, technical demonstrations, and guided hands-on exercises designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in microbial and molecular biotechnology. Through exposure to NIMBB’s research facilities and laboratory workflows, participants gained insight into standard methodologies commonly employed in modern molecular biology research laboratories. 🧬

During the training, participants practiced essential laboratory procedures such as micropipetting and microbial culturing, emphasizing precision in handling microliter volumes and adherence to biosafety and aseptic standards. Participants also performed key molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Under the close supervision of NIMBB researchers and technical staff, and with the assistance and guidance from NIMBB interns from West Visayas State University (BS Biology, Biotechnology Track), participants carried out each stage of the workflow—from nucleic acid isolation to amplification and visualization of DNA fragments. 🧫🦠🧬

Beyond technical ex*****on, the training highlighted the importance of core laboratory competencies such as workflow organization, sterile technique, proper documentation, data interpretation, and analytical reasoning—skills essential for ensuring reproducibility and scientific rigor in laboratory research.

Overall, the activity underscores NIMBB’s commitment to strengthening scientific literacy, enhancing laboratory readiness, and supporting the development of research capabilities among emerging scientists in the region. By providing experiential learning opportunities within a professional research environment, the Institute continues to prepare students and research personnel to meet the evolving demands of molecular biology and biotechnology research. 🧬🔬

📢 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 | 𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐁𝐁 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) at UP Visayas is excited to announce the NIMBB Seed Grant 2026! 🚀

We invite graduate and undergraduate students to apply for the Institutional Research Support Program, a service-based initiative designed to strengthen and advance molecular biology and biotechnology research studies. 🧬

Through this program, selected student researchers will receive:
🔬 Access to laboratory facilities and specialized equipment
🧪 Technical expertise and research mentoring
🧫 Reagents and consumables
📊 Structured laboratory support and supervision

❗ 𝗡𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱.
All support is provided strictly in the form of services, expertise, and facility access.
👥 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 (𝟱) 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
🗓 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀: January – March 2026
🔎 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: April 2026

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?
🎓 Master’s and PhD Graduate Students
📚 Undergraduate Thesis Researchers
✅ With an approved research proposal
🧪 Conducting Molecular Biology or Biotechnology studies

The NIMBB Seed Grant 2026 reflects NIMBB’s strong commitment to advancing scientific excellence, building research competence, and enhancing the impact of student-led scholarly work.

If your research requires molecular laboratory support, this is your opportunity to strengthen your study with institutional expertise and facilities.

📩 For details and application guidelines, email: 𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗯.𝘂𝗽𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀@𝘂𝗽.𝗲𝗱𝘂.𝗽𝗵

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨' 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘿𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙨 🦀

The DOST-PCAARRD–funded project led by Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang, entitled “Molecular Detection of Pathogens in Mangrove Crab: A Step Towards Ensuring a Sustainable Mangrove Crab Aquaculture Industry” (Mol-Detect Project), successfully conducted a capacity-building training-workshop for stakeholders on the molecular detection of mangrove crab pathogens on 20 February 2026. Implemented in partnership with the UPV Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory (ABRL) and the University of the Philippines Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV NIMBB), the activity aimed to enhance regional competencies in aquatic animal health diagnostics and strengthen institutional capacities for disease surveillance in mangrove crab aquaculture systems. 👨‍🔬🧫

The program commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Caipang, Project Leader and current NIMBB Director, who presented the scientific rationale, strategic objectives, and conceptual framework of the project. He underscored the significance of molecular diagnostic technologies in facilitating early and precise pathogen detection, reinforcing biosecurity measures, and guiding evidence-based disease management interventions. He further emphasized that the integration of these tools into routine health monitoring systems can enhance production efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of mangrove crab aquaculture operations.

The workshop gathered twelve (12) participants from leading higher education institutions across Panay Island, including Capiz State University (CAPSU), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), University of San Agustin (USA), and West Visayas State University – La Paz Campus (WVSU). The technical sessions consisted of comprehensive, supervised laboratory exercises on proper mangrove crab dissection and tissue sampling, nucleic acid extraction procedures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based pathogen detection methodologies, and the interpretation and validation of molecular diagnostic results. 🦀🔬🧬

The sessions were facilitated by NIMBB personnel, project staff and NIMBB student interns from West Visayas State University (BS Biology – Biotechnology Track). The training emphasized careful laboratory practices, biosafety, quality control, and reproducibility to ensure accurate and reliable molecular diagnostic results. 🥼🧬

The activity concluded with a comprehensive troubleshooting discussion of laboratory results, followed by a reflective open forum that enabled participants to examine technical challenges encountered during the procedures and to explore opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge exchange.

Overall, the workshop represents a significant advancement in strengthening regional expertise in molecular aquaculture diagnostics and in fostering collaborative networks committed to sustainable mangrove crab health management and research development. 👨‍🔬🧬

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝. 𝐖𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐁, 𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐒! 🦀🥼

Ready to suit up and skill up? Join us for an intensive Stakeholders' Hands-on Training on Molecular Detection of Mangrove Crab Pathogens.

We are diving deep into molecular biology to ensure a sustainable future for the mangrove crab industry. Don't miss this chance to learn the latest detection techniques straight from the experts!

Mark your calendars:
🗓 Date: February 20, 2026
🕙 Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: UPV National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Miagao, Iloilo)

𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲, 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!

This training is organized under the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project "Molecular Detection of Pathogens in Mangrove Crab (𝘚𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 spp.). A Step Towards Ensuring a sustainable Mangrove Crab Aquaculture Industry”

See you on the 20th of February! 🧬

📢 CALL FOR STUDENT ASSISTANTS
Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory

The Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory is currently accepting applications for four (4) Student Assistants to support our ongoing research projects in aquatic animal health, environmental microbiology, and sustainable aquaculture.

Student Assistants will be involved in:
Assisting in PCR-based laboratory work
Conducting basic antimicrobial screening
Supporting routine laboratory activities related to aquatic biohealth research

Compensation
₱3,000 per month (paid Student Assistantship)

Academic Opportunity
The assistantship may lead to a Special Problem / undergraduate research topic, depending on performance and project needs.

Qualifications

1. BS Biology student
2. With interest in microbiology, molecular biology, aquaculture, or aquatic animal health
3. Willing to work in a laboratory setting and follow biosafety protocols
4. Prior lab experience is an advantage but not required

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit the following:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letter of Intent

Send applications to:
Gene Philip Levee Ynion
[email protected]

Be part of meaningful research that contributes to healthier aquatic organisms, safer seafood, and sustainable coastal communities.
We look forward to working with motivated and curious students!