Department of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology (BioTech) of the Visayas State University is the first institution in Visayas and Mindanao to offer Biotechnology as an academic program. The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology was first offered in 2011 and was formerly a joint program of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Food Science of the Visayas State University until 2015. It was later on established as a separate department in July 2016. The BS in Biotechnology program aims at training students in experimental and theoretical tools used in bioprocess engineering, molecular biology, plant biotechnology and medical research. Since its establishment, the department has created its own curriculum for two major fields; Industrial and Plant biotechnology, to develop professionals in these fields and send out excellent human resources to both domestic and international institutions.

Vision, Mission & Goals

Degree Offerings

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Based on the current ongoing projects and the strategic roadmap of the Department of Biotechnology at Visayas State University (VSU), the research and development (R&D) agenda is centered on the intersection of Agriculture, Health, and Industrial Innovation. The department operates as a specialized hub for biotechnological applications that address regional economic needs and national health priorities. Agricultural Productivity and Crop Improvement remains the strongest pillar of the department, leveraging biotechnology to enhance the value of indigenous crops. The department is increasingly pivoting toward molecular medicine for research on nutritional science, drug discovery, and diagnostics. These projects are done in partnership with the Advanced Research and Innovation Center, Tuklas Lunas Development Center - VSU, University of the Philippines Manila, National Coconut Research Center-VSU, and foreign partners such as Nagasaki University, Japan. These partnerships, in addition to linkages with PCHRD, DA-Biotech, ICP, PSBMB, and PCAARD, compose the network of BIOTECH.


Research projects:

1. Profiling the Effects of a Westernized Diet on the Gut Microbiome Composition of School-Aged Children in the Eastern Visayas region using 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis
2. Nutrition Enhancement and Gut Microbiome Studies of Philippine Native Chicken
3. A Ridge-to-Reef Metagenomic Profiling for Soil Health Improvement and Conservation
4. Marker Development of Coconut Hybridity Testing for Efficient Hybrid Seed Production in Eastern Visayas
5. Propagation of Quality Planting Materials, Carbon Sequestration Potential and Socioecological Assessment of A. malaccensis-based Agroecological Systems in Leyte Island
6. Nanomaterial-encapsulated Microbial Inoculant as Tuber Sett Coating to Enhance Growth, Yield and Micronutrient Uptake of Purple Yam
7. Identification and Isolation of fungus from the infected wild population and inoculation in Aquilaria-based agroecological production systems to induced agarwood formation
8. Bioactivity and Molecular Characterization of Lead Compounds from Candidate Antidiabetic Indigenous Plants
9. Biological Activity and Chemistry of Essential Oils for Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, and Industry
10.Development of a Diagnostic PCR assay for Naja samarensis in the Eastern Visayas, Philippines