PH S&T Department Poised to Develop NBT Guidelines

The Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is planning to develop guidelines on New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) as one of the ways to combat the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector. This was mentioned by DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña during a webinar on NBTs organized by the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines on February 10, 2021, held via Zoom.

"I am proud to say that we, the Philippines, have joined the few countries that issued a policy on the treatment of plants and plant products derived from NBTs. Through the issuance of the NCBP's policy on Plant Breeding Innovations, it is our hope that we will be able to develop facilitative guidelines based on the best available science for all activities involving NBTs," said Sec. Dela Peña.

International experts discussed the science behind NBTs, as well as socio-economic impacts and regulatory approaches implemented by various countries. As for the Philippines, Sec. Dela Peña projects several benefits of the technology. "It creates the ability to breed crops and grasses that perform better with fewer inputs reducing costs to farmers and reducing impacts on the environment, and it creates the ability to breed plants that can adapt to the challenges of climate change," he said.

For more information, read the article from Manila Bulletin or visit the NCBP website.