DMMMSU research collaborators participated in the 2025 Filipino Genomes Research Program (FGRP) Symposium, which was held at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Institute of Biology Auditorium on June 10-11, 2025.

With the theme “PAGTANAW: Reflecting on the Journey and Shaping the Future of Inclusive Filipino Genomics,” the symposium served as both a meaningful close to Phase 1 of the Filipino Genomic Research Program (FGRP) and a starting point for the next phase. It gathered partners and stakeholders who have been working to understand the rich ethnolinguistic and regional diversity of the Filipino population to help shape a more inclusive future for genomics in the country.

DMMMSU has been a regional collaborator of FGRP since 2021, contributing to participant recruitment, community engagement, and saliva sample collection in Northern Luzon. The program was spearheaded by the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the UP Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) and funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Representing DMMMSU at the symposium were Mr. Glennadi R. Rualo, Associate Professor and FGRP Research Coordinator; Dr. Maria Cristina B. Bandarlipe, Program Chairperson of the Master of Arts in Science Education and FGRP Lead Facilitator; and Mr. Dan Vergel M. Masiong, Campus Head of Publication and IEC Materials Development.

They were joined by faculty and staff from the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly from the Biology and Physical Sciences Department of DMMMSU-South La Union Campus (SLUC), who continue to actively support the program.

The FGRP is led by Mr. Frederick C. Delfin, supported by a dedicated team of project leaders, technical specialists, and support staff. Key members of the core team include:

•  Ms. Jazelyn M. Salvador, MSc – Project 1 Leader
•  Mr. Frederick C. Delfin, MSc – Project 2 Leader
• Acd. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria, PhD – Project 3 Leader
• Ms. Gayvelline C. Calacal, MSc and Ms. Minerva S. Sagum – Project 1 Staff
• Ms. Nelvie Fatima Jane A. Soliven, MSc and Ms. Miriam Ruth M. Dalet – Project 2 Staff
• Mr. Christian S. Estrella, RMT, and Ms. Maeviviene S. Sosing – Project 1 Technical Specialists
• Ms. Aileen Rona S. Boquiren, MS,c and Mr. Noriel B. Esteban – Project 2 Technical Specialists
• Ms. Maylowen P. Lumayna and Ms. Kristin Glori N. Pusing – Project 1 Administrative Assistants

With their collective expertise, FGRP has laid a strong foundation for inclusive and ethically grounded genomic research across diverse Filipino communities. As the program transitions into its second phase, its expansion from 2026 to 2031 is being considered for priority funding.  (By Maria Cristina B. Bandarlipe)