The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) , formerly known as the National Institutes of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, was established on December 20, 1979, by the UP Board of Regents as a research and development institution based at UP Los Baños. Letter of Instruction No. 1005 from then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos on March 1980 instructed the National Treasury to release P10 million out of the Energy Special Fund for the institute. BIOTECH originally served as an integrating mechanism to mobilize the various departments and disciplines in engineering, chemistry, and applied microbiology for research, training, and extension. BIOTECH serves as the national research and development (R&D) organization specializing in agricultural, environmental, food and feeds, and health biotechnology. The institute capitalizes on the use of the country’s diverse collection of microorganisms, rich natural resources, and agro-industrial waste and by-products to develop and advance alternative technologies and products towards improved agro-industrial productivity.”