DOST, SLSU Launch Research Laboratory on Tropical Wines, Distilled Spirits

The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), through its Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) Program, supported the inauguration of the Tropical Wine and Distilled Spirit (TWDS) Laboratory at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Lucena Campus.

The new research laboratory, funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), was officially launched on March 17, 2026. The two-year project, with funding of PhP 4,775,100.00, strengthens research and innovation in the fermented and distilled beverages industry.

In his message, SLSU President Dr. Frederick T. Villa said the establishment of the TWDS Research Laboratory marks a significant step forward in fulfilling the university’s vision of becoming a globally recognized institution known for innovative and responsive research that contributes to both national and global development.

Inauguration of the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Tropical Wine and Distilled Spirit Research Laboratory at the SLSU Lucena Campus on 23 March 2026

DOST–NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda joined the inauguration program and affirmed the agency’s continued support. He noted that the initiative represents a significant opportunity to realize the DOST’s vision of “AGHAM NA RAMDAM,” emphasizing that the laboratory will benefit not only SLSU students but also stakeholders across Quezon Province.

Director Sepeda was accompanied by NRCP Research Development and Management Division Chief Science Research Specialist Beverly Mae N. dela Cruz, together with members of the RDLead Secretariat: Mr. Marfy H. Lita, Engr. Ivy A. Sacapaño, and Ms. Francia Lourdes Olarve.

The launch of the TWDS Laboratory is a pioneering collaboration between SLSU and DOST–PCIEERD. Approved for funding in 2023, the initiative emerged from SLSU’s engagement with the NRCP RDLead Program, with Dr. Cynthia Grace C. Gregorio serving as RD Leader and mentoring SLSU’s proposal development. The program featured a blessing, ribbon cutting, unveiling of the laboratory marker, a guided tour of the new facilities, and a Lambanog mixology demonstration.

The inauguration of the TWDS laboratory positions SLSU as a hub for tropical wine and distilled spirit research—promoting local heritage while advancing scientific development in the region. (Marfy H. Lita, S&T Media Service)

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