Science Speaks
Boot Camp Provides Agbiotech Learning Opportunity for Senior High School Learners and Teachers

Boot Camp Provides Agbiotech Learning Opportunity for Senior High School Learners and Teachers

By Janine Cyren Escasura

July 22, 2026

ISAAA Inc. organized a two-day event titled Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for SHS Learners and Teachers on July 15-16, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Department of Agriculture - Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), PhilRice, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Thirty-five (35) participants from San Jose City National High School-Senior High School, San Sebastian School Inc., and Sto. Domingo National Trade School participated in the boot camp, providing an immersive learning activity to spark curiosity and strengthen competencies in agriculture and biotechnology.

Participants and organizers of Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for SHS Learners and Teachers.

Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc., welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the two-day boot camp in broadening access to biotechnology education. Building on the success of its first run in 2024, he explained that the second iteration was designed to expose students and teachers to modern agricultural biotechnology through expert lectures, laboratory and research facility visits, field tours, and hands-on learning activities. He emphasized the program's goal of fostering greater awareness and appreciation of biotechnology. “This boot camp is designed as a specialized and enjoyable learning experience to increase knowledge and appreciation of modern biotechnology tools and applications,” Mr. de Guzman said.

Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Research at the DA - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), emphasized the important role teachers play in shaping students' understanding of agriculture and inspiring future innovators. He encouraged participants to recognize the value of science and biotechnology in addressing global challenges. “The world's biggest challenges need science and biotechnology, and they need people like you to solve them,” he said.

Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of the DA - Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO), whose message was delivered by Mr. Rainiel Viray, Senior Management Specialist at DA-BPO, highlighted agriculture as a dynamic field driven by science and innovation. “Agriculture is one of the most exciting frontiers of science and innovation today. It needs young people like you—curious, creative, and driven to develop solutions that improve lives,” Dr. Limson said.

The boot camp featured lectures on an introduction to biotechnology by Dr. Antonio Alfonso of Corteva Agriscience; conventional biotechnology by Dr. Jerwin Undan of Central Luzon State University (CLSU); genetically modified (GM) crops and gene editing in crops by Dr. Reynante Ordonio of DA-CBC; GM and gene editing in animals by Ms. Faith Loraine T. Magbanua of DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center (DA-FBC); and science communication by Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV of the DA-PhilRice.

Participants performing a DNA extraction activity at the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory of DA-CBC.

On the second day, the participants gained firsthand learning experience in agricultural biotechnology through a series of field visits and laboratory activities. They visited key research facilities, including the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory, where they took part in a hands-on DNA extraction activity, as well as the Genome Engineering Laboratory in DA-CBC, the PhilRice Gene Bank, and the confined transgenic field facility. The field tour continued with visits to the National Livestock Cryobank and the National Genepool at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

In closing, Dr. Arlen A. Dela Cruz, Assistant Chief and Supervising Science Research Specialist DA-CBC, encouraged participants to consider pursuing careers in research, biotechnology, and agriculture. “We hope this experience encourages you to develop an interest in research, biotechnology, and agriculture. One day, you could become the future scientists, farmers, and innovators who will help advance Philippine agriculture,” Dr. Dela Cruz said.

Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc., hoped that the two-day boot camp improved the participants' understanding and perception of biotechnology. “Your thorough understanding of biotechnology at a young age is significantly important to improve our country. Maybe in the future, your research outputs will improve our agricultural products, making them more profitable and providing a nutritious and bountiful harvest for everyone,” Dr. Aldemita said.

The boot camp was conducted as part of the Know the Science project of ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with DA-BPO, under the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology

Program (DA Biotech Program). The event is in partnership with DA-PhilRice, DA-CBC, DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA-LBC), and DA-FBC.

Official photos will be available in the media library of the Biotech Media Center soon. For more details about this activity, send an email to knowledgecenter@isaaa.org.