The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) disclosed Friday, June 18, that a biobank center is being eyed to be established in Western Visayas.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said Dr. Gerard G. Dumancas, a Balik Scientist, is looking at the feasibility of establishing a biobank center in Western Visayas.
"Defined as a biorepository, the biobank stores human biological samples and tissues like blood, saliva, and urine, along with any associating information. Once established, it will provide new insights as to how a certain disease responds, leading to the advancement in life science in the country,” he said in his weekly report on Friday.
He said Dumancas will look into “a number of consideration” in setting up the biobank. These include power and other requirements, acceptability, demand, practicality, adaptation, and approaches used in genetics research for potential Filipino genetic health determinants.
The DOST chief cited the medical community in Western Visayas “is very receptive” in pursuing the biobank project.
“The establishment of a biobank is a long-term investment and requires substantial resources to be put up,” he said.
“The facility also needs to collaborate with Philippine Genome Center, National Center for Mental Health, neighboring hospitals and research institutions in the region.”