Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photo courtesy of TTBDO
In a landmark collaboration, the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) and the Board of Investments (BOI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the commercialization of UP Manila’s groundbreaking herbal medicine products. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to translating its research into accessible, effective solutions for public health.
“We are formalizing our partnership with the signing of this MOU,” said UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, who represented Chancellor Michael L. Tee during the signing ceremony. “The document reflects our shared commitment to the triple goal of advancing sustainable agricultural production, enhancing public health, and strengthening the local economy.”
The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation between UP Manila and the BOI, focusing on technology transfer and investment promotion. As part of this collaboration, the BOI will support UP Manila in organizing a series of roadshows in strategic regions. These events will showcase herbal medicine products developed by the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) steered by Dr. Cecilia C. Maramba-Lazarte, Director of UP Manila’s Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM).
The products set to be featured include the Tsaang Gubat tablet and syrup for abdominal pain and diarrhea, Ulasimang Bato tablet for managing hyperuricemia, the Yerba Buena Tablet known for its analgesic properties, Akapulco Lotion for treating fungal skin infections, and Ampalaya Tablet, a natural remedy for Type II diabetes.
“The main goals of this MOU are to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, promote investment opportunities for commercializing technologies developed by UP Manila, and collaborate with government agencies and industry partners to create and implement strategies that encourage investor engagement with our innovations,” emphasized Dr. Dalmacio. She added that the BOI’s support in promoting these products nationwide is crucial in ensuring that Filipino consumers have access to safe, effective, and affordable natural medicines.
This partnership not only highlights UP Manila’s role as a leader in herbal medicine research but also reinforces its mission to contribute to national development through science and technology. The combined efforts of UP Manila and BOI are expected to attract significant interest from potential investors, driving the commercialization of Filipino-made herbal products and supporting the country’s public health initiatives.
Present at the MOU signing were Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head; Ms. Raquel B. Echague, Director of BOI-RBIS; Ms. Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, Executive Director of BOI-IDS; Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero, Director of the UP Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office; and Dr. Maramba-Lazarte. UPLB Vice Chancellor for Administration, Dr. Rolando T. Bello, signed on behalf of Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. #
