Farmers, Department of Agriculture (DA) information officers, regulators, members of the academe, and officials of local government units of selected municipalities in Region X were enlightened about the science, food, and environmental safety, biotech products in the pipeline, socioeconomic benefits of Bt eggplant, and the biosafety regulatory guidelines in the country during the Biotechnology 101 & Joint Department Circular (JDC) Public Briefing held on October 3, 2017 at The Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City. 

During the open forum, participants clarified and asked about the safety of Bt technology, particularly its effects in the environment, labeling, regulatory costs, availability of Bt eggplant seeds, and the status of the Golden Rice project among others. Present during the open forum were representatives from the five concerned departments of the JDC — the Departments of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Health, Environment and Natural Resources, and the Interior and Local Government. 

The activity was organized by ISAAA, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC), DA-Biotechnology Program Office, and DA-Regional Field Office X. 

For more information on biotechnology in the Philippines, visit the SEARCA BIC website.