Bacterial strain named after CHED Chair Agrupis
By Jareason Fabre
A bacterial strain discovered and characterized by researchers from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has been named after Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis in recognition of her contributions to science, research, and higher education.
The bacterial strain, designated SCA72564, bears the initials and birthdate of Dr. Agrupis, who served as the seventh president of MMSU and is widely recognized as an accomplished biologist, researcher, and science advocate. During her tenure as university president, she championed research and innovation initiatives, including the establishment of the MMSU Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research (CMED), which has become a hub for advanced scientific research and biotechnology development in Northern Luzon.
The tribute is detailed in the study, “Draft Genome Sequence of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei SCA72564 Isolated from 𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢 (Lour.) Burkill in Ilocos Norte, Philippines,” recently published in Microbiology Resource Announcements, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
The study, which was part of the MMSU Probiotics Project, was conducted by researchers from the MMSU-CMED led by Dr. Peter James Icalia Gann, with contributions from the center’s team of scientists and researchers engaged in microbial genomics and biotechnology research.
Researchers isolated the bacterial strain from “buga," collected in Camandingan, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Genome sequencing revealed a high-quality draft genome with probiotic potential and a favorable safety profile, supporting its possible application in food, health, and biotechnology industries.
According to the research team, the study highlights the scientific value of Philippine indigenous biodiversity as a source of next-generation probiotic resources while demonstrating how locally sourced biological materials can generate globally relevant scientific discoveries.
The findings were formally presented to Dr. Agrupis, the Chair of the Board of Regents (BOR), during the 167th MMSU BOR Meeting on June 18, where the researchers handed her a framed copy of the published genome sequencing results.
Dr. Gann said the naming of SCA72564 serves as a tribute to Dr. Agrupis’ transformative leadership in promoting research excellence and innovation at MMSU.
"Dr. Agrupis has been instrumental in strengthening the university's research culture and scientific capabilities. Through her leadership, researchers were encouraged to pursue meaningful scientific work that addresses local and national needs. Naming this strain after her is our way of recognizing her lasting contributions to science, innovation, and higher education," he said.
Receiving the framed research output, Dr. Agrupis expressed her appreciation to the research team and emphasized the importance of sustaining scientific inquiry and innovation in the country.
"I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. I thank the MMSU research team for sustaining our scientific initiatives for the benefit of our communities and our nation," she said.
Jun, 22, 2026 01:16:pm
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