Established in 2012 as part of the Philippine Genome Center, the DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF) was the product of an effort to push genomic sciences across different research and education disciplines. It was intended to support the different Philippine Genome Center research programs, as well as other research endeavors across different sectors, with the goal of ultimately developing innovative solutions to the country’s current problems.

 

Through the combined efforts of the University of the Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), this state-of-the-art facility was set up to bolster genomic sciences in the country. The seed grant used to acquire the NextGen DNA sequencing equipment of DSCF was provided by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of DOST.  Additional support for infrastructure and personnel training was provided by the University through the Emerging Interdisciplinary Research Program.

 

The DSCF is currently housed at the 2nd floor of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology building. Set at the National Science Complex of the University of the Philippines Diliman, it is adjacent to other science and technology institutes such as the Core Facility for Bioinformatics, Computational Science & Research Center, the Institute of Chemistry, the Institute of Biology, the Marine Science Institute, the National Institute of Physics, and the Institute of Mathematics.  The location of PGC DSCF within the National Science Complex fosters a cooperative and interdisciplinary culture that is essential for research.

 

Research associates of the DSCF are in charge of daily operations including client relations, and sample handling, processing, and sequencing. They constantly participate in various international training programs and conferences to stay abreast of the latest techniques and current trends in the field. The DSCF promotes a comprehensive learning environment not only for its researchers, but also for the Filipino scientific community through its services and workshops.