US HASC Delegates and Philippine Biotech Experts Explore Collaborative Opportunies

Representatives from the US House Armed Services Committee (HASC) hosted by the US Embassy Manila visited ISAAA Inc. and other institutions in the Los Baños Science Community on August 4, 2023. ISAAA Executive Director Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita and staff welcomed the delegation and discussed the organization's current initiatives in biotechnology.

The visit was concluded with an Open Discussion on Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable Trade through Biotech Information Management and Policies (FIST BMP) organized by SEARCA and participated by representatives from other biotech-related institutions such as the UP Los Baños Institute of Plant Breeding, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, CropLife, Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources.

The group discussed the current status of commercialized biotech crops in the Philippines, as well as the policies and regulatory mechanisms that ensure the safe and effective deployment of biotech crops in the supply chain. Some of the challenges in the availability and accessibility of biotech crops were also raised. The discussions laid out the opportunities to work together towards inclusive and sustainable trade of biotech crops.

"We've been equal beneficiaries of the collaboration between the United States and the Philippines, not just in the area of biotech, but in agriculture more broadly. From the US Embassy's perspective, we look forward to continuing conversations like this, especially with our colleagues from the legislative branch," said Lorenzo New, Acting Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs and Environment, Science, Technology, Heath, and Energy Unit Chief at the US Embassy Manila.

For more information, send an email to knowledge.center@isaaa.org