ISAAA Inc. and BCP Equip High School Students with Information about Gene Editing

Gene editing is a new addition to an array of technologies that biological scientists have developed to improve food stocks and contribute to food accessibility and environmental sustainability. Awareness-building activities are vital in promoting an enabling environment for biotechnological innovations.

Gene Genies: Gene Editing by Filipino Scientists is a webinar organized by ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), held on January 24, 2024. The webinar aimed to raise awareness and appreciation of gene editing among young and aspiring food producers and entrepreneurs nationwide. The webinar was attended by 61 participants, mostly high school students, representing 19 public and private high schools in the Philippines.

Dr. Maribel Zaporteza, an Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), defined gene editing and discussed some of the famous tools used in gene editing. Dr. Gabriel Romero, the Executive Director of the Philippine Seed Industry Association, tackled gene editing applications in crops and microbes and their potential impact on Philippine agriculture. Their presentations are followed by poll questions to gauge the understanding of the participants about gene editing.

The second part of the webinar series will focus on the application of gene editing in livestock and aquaculture. It is planned for February 26, 2024, and the pre-registration is now open to all high school students in the Philippines.

For inquiries, send an email to meetings@isaaa.org.