The Department of Science and Technology launches its Niche Centers in the Region or NICER in Functional Food called Kasanggang NICER in Functional Food Excellence (KNIF2E) Laboratory recently, marking a step forward for functional food research and development (R&D) in Western Visayas.
The DOST in cooperation with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City demonstrated its strong commitment to using local agricultural resources to help advance health and nutrition priorities. The KNIF2E Laboratory aims to advance functional food R&D derived from sugarcane, legumes, lagundi, and cacao. The facility is set to conduct research to develop health-centered food products from the abundant crops in the Western Visayas Region.
“The KNIF2E laboratory reflects DOST’s dedication to creating solutions through functional food R&D,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “Concentrating on the following crops can address nutrition-related concerns while providing new opportunities for our local farmers and food manufacturing industries to thrive,” Secretary Solidum added.
DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya underscored the laboratory’s purpose, “The KNIF2E Laboratory showcases how science and technology (S&T) through R&D can transform our agricultural resources into functional food products that promote better health and nutrition. This partnership between the DOST and the USA brings functional food R&D closer to the communities it seeks to serve.”
The SPC-FUEL for Health program is at the center of the KNIF2E Laboratory’s efforts, which explore the potential of sugarcane, legumes, lagundi, and cacao. Each crop anchors a specific research project:
- Project ASUCAR led by USA’s Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) in collaboration with Pharma GalenX and DOST Region VI.
- PULSES Project conducted in partnership with the University of St. La Salle Bacolod and Herbanext Laboratories.
- CHOCO CARE Project spearheaded by USA’s Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) and Malagos Chocolates.
The inauguration of the KNIF2E Laboratory reflects the combined efforts of academe, private sector, and government agencies. The laboratory underscores the value of partnership in functional food R&D by connecting S&T expertise with agricultural resources and industry partners that will adopt the developed technologies for national distribution. “The development of functional food in this laboratory has the potential to manage our health and nutrition needs while strengthening the connection between agriculture and health,” Dr. Montoya said. “It is an opportunity to turn locally available crops into solutions that meet scientific and societal needs,” he added.
Through the KNIF2E Laboratory, the USA aims to build its reputation as a leader in functional food R&D in Western Visayas and the country. “Food products developed in the Niche Centers will contribute to better nutrition across the country,” Secretary Solidum said. The laboratory’s establishment highlights DOST’s continuing commitment to functional food R&D nationwide. From local facilities to broader programs, the DOST prioritizes science and technology as a foundation for better health and economic growth.
“Functional food research is important for addressing nutrition and health concerns while supporting agricultural sustainability. We at the DOST are proud to support research initiatives like this, ensuring that every region can contribute to national development, one project at a time,” Dr. Solidum concluded.
The KNIF2E Laboratory shines as a model of progress in functional food R&D, and the Philippines takes a step closer to strengthening the connection between health, nutrition, and agriculture for the benefit of all Filipinos.