Mr. Jeff M. Opeña, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture of the North La Union Campus, was awarded a scholarship grant by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

The PhilDOST – Texas Tech University Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program at Texas Tech University aims to produce highly qualified agricultural specialists with an emphasis on plant genetics, genomics, and biotechnology.

Mr. Jeff M. Opeña will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant and Soil Science specializing in Genetics, Plant Breeding, and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. His scholarship will take him to Lubbock, Texas, USA, from August 2024 to July 2028. He is one of the three qualified scholars for the first batch and one of the program’s pioneer scholars. His research is on Tomato Breeding for Drought Resiliency Under Marginal Environments.

Mr. Opeña’s scholarship is the result of a collaborative effort. DOST-PCAARRD, DOST-SEI, and Texas Tech University (TTU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the PhilDOST-Texas Tech Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program. This took place on March 25, 2024, at DOST-PCAARRD, marking the beginning of a shared journey towards advancing agricultural research.

When asked about his thoughts on receiving the scholarship, Mr. Opeña shared:
“I am truly honored to have been selected as one of the pioneer scholars for this prestigious program, especially since it is the first time DOST has offered this scholarship. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to pursue my passion and contribute to the field. This scholarship allows young scientists to gain experience in American-based studies and research while also helping to grow the pool of experts in genetics, plant breeding, genomics, and biotechnology in the Philippines, as there is a dearth of specialists in these fields.” Mr. Opeña’s pursuit of graduate studies in plant science holds the promise of finding innovative solutions for problems in agriculture, particularly in the development of drought-resistant crops. This research has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and inspire a more sustainable future. (By RMV)