ISAAA Inc. Launches the Study on Public Perception of Agricultural Biotechnology in the Philippines

ISAAA Inc. organized the launch of the study titled Public Perception of Agricultural Biotechnology in the Philippines: 16 years after public debates on GM crops in a hybrid event at Acacia Hotel Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on September 22, 2023. This research was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program), the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and the College of Development Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (CDC-UPLB).

The survey served as a revisit to the 2006 study conducted by ISAAA Inc., together with SEARCA and CDC-UPLB, titled Public Understanding and Perception of and Attitude Towards Agricultural Biotechnology in the Philippines. Sixteen years after public debates on GM crops, the 2022 study presented new findings helpful for the development of programs and activities designed to educate the public about agri-biotech. This research project was led by Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc., and Dr. Cleofe S. Torres, former dean and professor at CDC-UPLB.

Dr. Cleofe S. Torres, the principal investigator of the study, introduced and presented significant findings and recommendations of the study. Among the key findings discussed are the sources of biotech information, trust in information sources, and knowledge and attitudes toward biotech. During her presentation, Dr. Torres also shared similarities and substantial improvements between the 2006 and 2022 studies. She ended her presentation with the steps and actions to take in line with the results of the study. Dr. Armin S. Coronado, one of the field coordinators in the study, also shared his team's experiences in gathering data and information amidst the pandemic.

The event was attended by 49 onsite participants and over 500 online. Atty. Damcelle T. Cortes, Assistant Professor at the College of Public Affairs and Development in UPLB, moderated the discussions. On behalf of Dr. Claro N. Mingala, the Executive Director of DA Biotech, Ms. Sharmaine Lopez delivered his message for the opening remarks. Similarly, Mr. Joselito Florendo, Deputy Director for Administration of SEARCA, read the message of Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Executive Director of SEARCA. The event concluded with a special message from ISAAA Executive Director Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita.

Download the full report for more information. For inquiries about the event, send an email to knowledge.center@isaaa.org.