A Seat at a Regional Science Conversation
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - The regional training workshop, “Securing Synthetic Biology Knowledge, Data and Innovation in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines,” is being held in Cebu from September 2 to 4, 2026. UST General Santos’ participation gives the campus an opportunity to engage with a subject that increasingly crosses traditional academic boundaries. Synthetic biology combines biological science with engineering approaches, making questions about information, research, technology, and responsible use increasingly important. A 2026 regional discussion hosted by Singapore’s RSIS likewise examined emerging biotechnology and its implications for biosecurity and health security, showing that synthetic biology is already part of wider Southeast Asian conversations about preparedness and responsible innovation.
Connecting General Santos With Wider Expertise
The participation of Prof. Edilberto P. Manahan, PhD, and Mr. David Praise C. Combong brings both academic affairs and information and communications technology perspectives to the workshop. That combination is particularly relevant when the subject involves not only laboratory science but also the protection and management of knowledge and data. UST General Santos has also had academic representation in international discussions surrounding biotechnology security. A peer-reviewed article published in Health Security identified UST General Santos School of Health Sciences Director Oliver Shane R. Dumaoal among researchers working on gene-synthesis security awareness and collaborative exercises. This provides useful context for the campus’ continuing engagement with responsible biotechnology discussions.
Building Awareness Around Emerging Technology
For General Santos, participation in a specialized regional workshop offers more than exposure to a scientific topic; it creates an opportunity for university representatives to learn from discussions taking place across Southeast Asia. The workshop’s focus on securing synthetic biology knowledge, data, and innovation reflects an important principle for emerging technologies: scientific progress and responsible safeguards need to develop together. Regional forums can help institutions understand how other countries approach these questions and identify areas where expertise can be shared. UST General Santos’ presence in Cebu therefore adds another dimension to the campus’ academic profile, connecting a university in Mindanao with conversations about biotechnology, information, innovation, and the responsible development of new scientific capabilities.
