Philippine Regulators Trained on Science Communication

A "Science Communication Workshop: Enhancing Biotech Knowledge and Communication Skills" was held on July 23-24, 2013 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy, Antipolo City, Rizal. Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso, Program Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture Biotech Program Office, stressed the importance of the workshop in continuously training scientists and regulators in science communication especially biotechnology. The country needs credible and responsible personnel to answer the many inquiries on the safety and benefits of biotech crops.

The 35 regulators and researchers were provided up to date information on the science of biotechnology, benefits and local and global adoption of GM crops, its contribution to food security,  the various biotech projects of the Department of Agriculture and the regulation of biotech crops in the Philippines. The principles and tools of science communication and its applications in communicating issues about crop biotechnology were also presented. Biotech communication experiences were shared by two Philippine regulators.

Communication practitioners from ISAAA, the UPLB College of Development Communications and a popular newspaper science editor trained the participants on message mapping, powerpoint presentations, responding to letter inquiry, and preparing interviews for print and radio broadcasts. ISAAA and SEARCA BIC organized the workshop with support from the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Implementation Unit.

For details, contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org