Philippine Genome Center

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) is a multi-disciplinary research facility in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines which specializes in genomics.

Philippine Genome Center
Established2009 (2009)
Research typeBasic and Applied
Field of research
Genomics
LocationQuezon City, Philippines
AffiliationsUniversity of the Philippines Diliman
Websitepgc.up.edu.ph

History

The Philippine Genome Center was first conceptualized in 2009 in response to the SARS outbreak which affected Hong Kong, the dengue outbreaks which affecting the Philippines, and the then-ongoing H1N1 flu pandemic which originated in Mexico. The first grants received by the PGC were for dengue diagnostic testing and H1N1 surveillance.[1] Initially the facility was placed under the jurisdiction of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman's Office of the President as per the approval of the UP Board of Regents in its July 31, 2009 meeting.[2]

The UP Board of Regents approved the transfer of management and supervision of the PGC from the university's Office of the President to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs on February 26, 2016.[2]

Facilities

The PGC has two "core facilities"; the Core Facility for Bioniformatics (CFB) and the DNA Sequencing Core Facility. A biobank is planned as PGC's third facility.[3] The two facilities were funded by a ₱100 million (US$2.2 million) grant over three years from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of the Department of Science and Technology.[1]

DNA Sequencing Core Facility

Opened on September 24, 2013 The DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF) was the first core facility to open. Genomic studies in the field of agriculture, biodiversity, forensics, health, and ethnicity are conducted in the DSCF with the intent to specifically cater to Filipino needs.[3] DNA and Genome sequencing services are provided at the DSCF.[1]

Core Facility for Bioniformatics

The Core Facility for Bioinformatics (CFB) is a facility that provides genome-scale data generation and analysis to local researchers in the academe, from government institutions and private organizations. It also provides genomic data storage. It is also augmented by an IBM Blue Gene supercomputer which is also used by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH) for weather forecast and climate change modelling purposes in addition to genomic research use. The CFB was launched on April 14, 2014 while the supercomputer was made operational within the same day.[4]

References
  1. Estospace, Eden (4 March 2015). "Philippine Genome Center: Big step in health and agri research". Enterprise Innovation. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  2. "About". Philippine Genome Center. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  3. Luces, Kim (25 September 2013). "PHL Genome Center opens new DNA sequencing facility to local researchers". GMA News. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  4. Ronda, Rainier Allan (15 April 2014). "DOST activates IBM supercomputer". ABS-CBN News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
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