A study conducted by researchers of the MMSU Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research (CMED) earned third Best Study Award during the 12th PhilProFF Biennial Convention held on October 16-17 at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia.

Titled “Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications of Probiotic Isolates from Indigenous Food Plants in Ilocos Norte Using Genomic Analyses,” said poster research study utilized whole genome sequencing (WGS) for the taxonomic identification, safety profiling, and functional assessment of putative probiotic isolates from indigenous food plants in Ilocos Norte. Results revealed that 𝘓𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘪 and 𝘓𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘪 showed potential for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Probiotics are known for their health benefits and are important ingredients in functional foods. However, before their use, potential probiotics must be carefully identified and profiled to ensure safety and efficacy. Traditionally, this process involves phenotypic and functional assays that require extensive time and resources. Through WGS, a method that determines complete DNA sequences of an organism’s genome, the researchers were able to evaluate probiotics more efficiently.

Mr. Lemuel Ray Balloyan presented the study during the convention, which he co-authored with other researchers from the center, namely Ms. Suerte Baranda, Mr. Arc Josam Racho, Ms. Jimmbeth Zenila Fabia, Ms. Ma. Joy Theresa Agcaoili, Ms. Marvielyn Olivar, Ms. Grace Sheila Jalani, and Dr. Peter James Gann.

In addition, Ms. Fabia was inducted as a Board Member of the Philippine Society for Probiotics and Functional Foods for 2025–2027. Meanwhile, Dr. Gann, CMED Chief, served as one of the plenary speakers during the convention, attesting to the active engagement and commitment of the center to lead the country in probiotic research.