France backs RP forestry biotechnology laboratory

A forest biotechnology laboratory (FBL) has been established at the UP Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

The laboratory was constructed with financial and technical support from the French government through its Center de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Developpement-Departement des Forets Cirad-Foret (CIRAD-Foret), the Los Baños-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCARRD), and the Department and Natural Resources (DENR). The FBL was set up to develop and implement biotechnological breakthroughs to address the country’s thrust on the mass production of genetically superior planting stocks for agro-forestry, community-based forestry, and industrial forest plantations.

It was also envisioned to contribute to the attainment of ecological balance in the country and promotion of rural-based livelihoods.

The FBL is an initiative of the Forest Biotechnology Program, a collaborative undertaking of CIRAD-Foret, DOST-PCARRD, DENR, and UPLB.

Also partners in the program are the Paper Industry Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP), Bukidnon Forest, Inc. (BFI), and Provident Tree Farm, Inc. (PTFI). – RAF