The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and University of San Agustin (USA) officially inaugurate the Kasanggang Niche Centers in the Region (NICER) in Functional Food Excellence in Iloilo City today, January 10, 2025.
This DOST-funded facility is expected to provide local researchers with advanced tools and resources to accelerate scientific discovery, particularly in the field of functional foods. DOST believes that the establishment of research centers such as the Kasanggang NICER facility further fosters innovation and collaboration in the region.
The facility, overseen by the USA’s Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) houses a three-year program entitled “SPC-FUEL for Health: Sugarcane, Pulses, and Cacao Products from Functional Food Innovations to Enhance Life” which has three project components namely Project Accelerating Sugarcane products Utilization for Commodity Availability and Reliability (ASUCAR), Project Processing and Utilization of Lagundi and Legume via Simple and Economical Strategies (PULSES), and Project CHOCOlate Functional Commodities as Products of Academe- Industry Partnership Through Research-based Enterprise (CHOCO CARE).
DOST VI particularly collaborated with Pharma GalenX in Project ASUCAR, implemented by the USA Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3). This project aims to enhance the value and market position of muscovado sugar in Western Visayas by highlighting its nutritional benefits. Project ASUCAR is expected to significantly boost the economic viability of the muscovado industry and contribute to the region’s economic growth and rural development by increasing the demand for muscovado.
Through this project, DOST VI continues in underscoring the crucial role of fostering innovation, collaboration, and the establishment of more research centers in driving the development of Western Visayas.
Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, graced the occasion as the event’s esteemed keynote speaker. Dr. Jaime C. Montoya Executive Director, DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Ms. Keithlyn Sarah B. Bernardino, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, and Dr. Naomi Cossette R. Luis, DOST VI Chief Science Research Specialist were also present during the inauguration.
Moreover, at this same day was the blessing rites of the facility headed by Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA President of University of San Agustin. (NABFactuar,GSNiervo/DOST VI – KMO)