Biotech Updates

Role of Biotech Communication Highlighted in Philippine National Biotech Week

November 25, 2015

The Philippines celebrates the National Biotechnology Week 2015 (NBW 2015) from November 23 to 28, 2015 in SM Dasmariñas, Cavite, focusing on the theme, Biotechnology: People's Partner in National Development. The NBW 2015 is spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Engr. Mario Montejo, DOST Secretary, delivered the inspirational message, which was read by Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, Acting Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. According to Engr. Montejo, biotechnology continues to be a controversy in the country, thus, there's a need to continuously open channels of communication about the issues and implications through public engagement. He also said that DOST commits to come up with policies that promote biotech innovation and development while maintaining safeguards for public health and privacy.

Dr. William Padolina, President of the National Academy of Science and Technology, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing that agriculture must be a knowledge intensive activity to attain global competitiveness. He said that the decision to adopt biotech products relies on the government, and delaying such decision affects innovation and development, further causing poverty and suffering in the country.

"What difference are we making in the lives of these poor farmers, whom we engage in these debates? If we believe that technology can add value to the development agenda and deepen capital investments, why can we not work together? In good faith, let us have reason and informed public discussion knowing fully well that our understanding of genetics has deepen, thus challenging our traditional ideas and values. A strong partnership is needed among all sectors engaged in research and development to ensure the effective delivery of new technologies to our resource-poor farmers," said Dr. Padolina.

ISAAA also launched its latest publications: 50 Biotech Bites, Voices and Views:Why Biotech?, and Biotech Corn in the Philippines: A Country Profile.

The week-long celebration is comprised of several activities hosted by different government agencies and organizations. These include health forum, crop biotech seminar, biotech writeshop, biotech journalism awards, teachers' conference, career orientation, photo contest, among others.

The conduct of the event is in accordance with the national government policy to promote safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products, as stated in Presidential Proclamation no. 1414, s. 2007.

For more information about the NBW, visit the DOST website.