The activity aimed to increase the knowledge of the participants on the application of LAB as potential soil probiotic in agriculture and train them on the proper handling and preparation of LAB cultures and microbial preservation technique. LAB are microorganisms commonly found in the environment and can be beneficial to crops and livestock production. Given its potential as a soil probiotic, there is a need to properly maintain these cultures as well as educate researchers of its importance in agriculture.
Dr. Maria Monina Cecilia A. Villena, Program Head of SEARCA's Knowledge Management Department and Ms. Maricel S. Adique, Project Assistant of SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) attended the activity along with representatives from the University of the Philippines Los Baños-National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH). Apart from the Philippine delegation, SEARCA also sponsored three participants from Indonesia and two participants from Thailand. A public lecture and laboratory session were conducted as part of the workshop-training.
The event was organized by SEARCA BIC in partnership with the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Asian Consortium for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Microorganisms (ACM). (Danellie Joy O. Medina)