By Edgard Hilario, Manila Bulletin via SEAMEO SEARCA

The recently launched biotechnology and intellectual property rights training center will boost agricultural research, as well as help Filipino scientists realize the financial rewards of keeping busy with biotech studies.

Thus said Dr. Leocadio Sebastian, PhilRice executive director, during the inauguration of the Biotech IPR training center in Nueva Ecija last week.

"Filipino scientists and researchers specializing in biotechnology can now look forward to reaping more benefits from their studies as they learn more about intellectual property rights and its implications on the knowledge or products they have generated through research."

The training center serves as a venue to train and educate scientist and researchers on the fundamentals of IPR such as patent, trademark, technology transfer agreement, and prior art search.

Based at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the center was funded by the Biotechnology Program Implementation Office of the Department of Agriculture and PhilRice.

Equipped with 30 Internet-linked computers, the center was also built to cater biotechnology-and IPR-related training needs of research and development institutions, state colleges and universities, and stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries sector on biotechnology.

During the country's century-old conduct of research and development, Sebastian said that only a few scientists and researchers are aware of IPR and its application on their studies.

"Before, scientists and researchers are contented with publishing their works and breakthroughs. Now, they also want their share on financial beneficiaries. Strong gains in biotech have been occurring in developed countries where intellectual property rights are well established."

And a well-established and effective IPR and regulatory system, Sebastian added, provides developed countries with enticing environment for big investment and rapid development in biotechnology.

Meanwhile, biotechnologist Nelson Garcia said the application of IPR saves time and energy in conceptualizing researches. By conducting prior search, he is confident that his research proposals are not duplications of previous studies.

Biotechnology study leader Gina Babb added that IPR can assure that research institutes are banking on innovative and pioneering researches.

Late July, President Arroyo declared the National Biotechnology Week to promote the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products and to show the importance of biotechnology for people and development.