UST RECEIVES EQUIPMENT TO HELP BOOST GENETIC RESEARCH

University of Santo Tomas received two genetic sequencing equipment from Genomic Institute of Asia (Gina) which will be used for research and training of faculty and students.

In the Philippines, there is a significant lack of opportunities for aspiring geneticists locally due to the limited availability of these high technology equipment and lack of facilities for hands on training and research, which results to students looking for opportunities to study overseas.

Tom Navasero, Gina founder and president and chairman of local healthcare pioneer Philab Holdings Corp., established Gina with the vision for the Philippines to be regarded as a “hub for genetic sequencing.”

“Through education, we can hone the raw talent and the vast potential of our students who will fill in the gaps of our need for world-class geneticists, counselors, specialists in this country,” said Navasero.

UST welcomed the generous and timely donation as its College of Science Dept. is planning to open new tracks under its Biology course.

“Having this in our institution will give our researchers the opportunity to increase their knowledge and level of competence.” said Prof. John Donnie Ramos, UST College of Sciences dean.

The equipment is set to cut down time and costs to complete a study, which is advantageous since the department has a lot of genomic projects in the pipeline.