The Laboratory and Experimental Services Division (LESD) is one of the divisions of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) created by the virtue of the rationalization Executive Order No. 366 dated October 4, 2004 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).  It is a service division responsible in the coordination and monitoring of the laboratory services and activities being performed by the Research Centers (RCs).  LESD also actively collaborates with other national and international institutions.

Through LESD, ERDB manages a repository of wildlife floral and faunal specimens, quality seeds, and other needed services in support to research, development, and extension (RDE) programs, projects, and activities of the bureau.

LESD  Sections

The Laboratory Service Section (LSS) consists of ten (10) research laboratories specializing in Botany, Chemistry, Entomology, Forest Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pathology, Seed Technology, Soil Physics and Chemistry, Tissue Culture and Zoology. The laboratory services aim to support RDE Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) of ERDB Main Office and Research, Development and Extension Centers (RDECs). LSS has the following functions/responsibilities:

  • Formulates, implements and coordinates integrated research, development and extension agenda/programs on the development of protocol/procedure, to deliver efficient and effective laboratory services and to make every available data useful;

  • Provides analytical and diagnostic laboratory services to backstop the DENR R&D activities;

  • Provides direction and supervision for the different laboratory facilities in ERDB clusters centers;

  • Maintains database of laboratory facilities, equipment and analyses conducted; and

  • Renders technical assistance to DENR units, clienteles and other end users.

Laboratory Services

The Experimental and Demonstration Service Section (EDSS) is composed of the Los Baños Experiment Station (LBES) and the Research and Development Demonstration Zone (RDZ). It serves as the show window of the Bureau’s research activities.

This section is usually open to clients’ visit during tours wherein different research-based ENR technologies and facilities of ERDB, such as charcoal briquetting, bamboo propagation, mist and non-mist propagation, bambusetum, palmetum, agroforestry, medicinal genebank,  and materials recovery facility, are showcased.