Comm’l corn breeder honored as outstanding UPLB alumnus

MANILA, Philippines – Former University of the Philippines Los Baños professor Peter S. Guzman received the highest honor bestowed upon former students of the UPLB for his excellent work in the formulation of a more improved corn breed variety.

A commercial pipeline breeder of Monsanto, Guzman received this year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award for his significant contributions in the development of plant breeding for the local agricultural sector.

The award was presented at the 97th UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming last Oct. 9.

The UPLB Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes those alumni who excelled in their fields of endeavor, especially those who made an impact in addressing development issues.

Guzman was cited for his significant contributions to improving the school’s instruction, research and extension and for his numerous scientific breakthroughs at Monsanto.

At UPLB, Guzman developed a graduate course on then emerging field of molecular plant breeding, while his extension work included the formulation and implementation of a seed production and distribution program for yellow and white corn varieties, benefitting around 20,000 resource poor farmers in the country.

He also took part in leading the establishment of Monsanto’s Harrisburg Corn Research Station in South Dakota, US.

“My work with Monsanto allowed me to discover breakthrough solutions that improve the lives of our farmers. This recognition inspires me to further my research on modern agricultural practices to address the pressing problems of food security and sustainability” Guzman said.

Guzman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, cum laude, and Master’s degree in Plant Breeding from UPLB, a Doctorate degree from Iowa State University, and a post-doctorate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was previously an assistant professor and science research specialist at UPLB prior to his ten-year stint at Monsanto, which began in 2005.