Nine scientists and researchers have been conferred awards for their significant contributions to the national effort to broaden the frontiers of biotechnology in the country.

Also cited was the Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology (PCART), a non-profit, non-government organization (NGO) in northern Palawan.

The nine scientists were cited as the “Most Inspiring Biotech Entrepreneurs” while PCART was conferred the “Most Inspiring Biotechnology Community” award by Hybridigm Consulting Inc., a biotechnology consulting firm, in partnership with Go Negosyo, an advocacy group of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE).

The awardees were honored at the 4th Philippine Biotechnology Venture Summit held recently at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health in Pasig City.

They received Go Negosyo Inspiring Entrepreneur trophies designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, a world-renowned designer in Cebu City and also a recipient of the Go Negosyo Most Inspiring Cebuano Entrepreneur Award in 2007.

The Biotechnology Venture Summit is the premier pioneering conference on biotechnology enterprise and investment held annually in the country.

This year’s summit was organized by Hybridigm Consulting Inc. in cooperation with The Philippine STAR, BusinessWorld, Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program (DA-BP), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA-BIC), Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Philippine Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Philippine Venture Capital Investment Group, Ayala Foundation, and JCI Makati Princess Urduja.

The individual awardees were:
• Dr. Gisela Concepcion of Biomart Asia, who uses “Biogenins,” a class of phytochemicals or plant secondary metabolite primarily consisting of compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and woody plants, in skin and health care products.
• Dr. Samuel Bernal of Globotech Pro Health, who specializes in advanced integrative molecular and biotherapies.
• Dr. Saturnina Halos of Arnichem Corp., who is engaged in research and development (R&D) of biofertilizers.
• Dr. Rainier Villanueva of Rainier Research and Development, who established the first Filipino herbal manufacturing facility in the United States that offers cosmoceutical, nutraceutical, and home care products.
• Dr. Veronica Verallo-Rowell of VVR Skin Research Center, who promotes the “coconut lifestyle” in the wellness industry.
• Dr. Rolando de la Cruz of RCC Amazing Touch, who uses extracts of cashew nuts and other Philippine herbs in the development of organic cream that treats Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer.
• Vicenta Mendoza Escobar of Sol y Vicente Research Center, who specializes in herbal formulations using “noni” (apatot), gravicia (guyabano), mangosteen, and other Philippine herbs for health and wellness.
• Dean Lee Jr. of Chemrez Technologies, who operates the Philippine’s first continuous process biodiesel plant.
• Robert So of Ecosystems Technologies, who pioneered the use of biotechnology in developing an advanced biological wastewater treatment process.

The PCART was cited for engaging in production and processing of various herbs into powder to supply the needs of the growing herbal industry.

“We recognize these most inspiring biotech entrepreneurs to serve as role models with great optimism to this country,” PCF founding trustee Joey Concepcion III said.

Recognizing the opportunities in biotechnology, especially in agriculture, Concepcion said, “Biotechnology in a way is our gateway to the industries of the future. The field offers highly innovative products and services and surprisingly, the raw materials needed for these ventures can be found locally.”