ISAAA Inc. Conducts a Public Briefing on Philippine Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations in General Santos City

ISAAA Inc., in partnership with the Philippine Biotechnology for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program Office) and Asian Farmers Regional Network (ASFARNET), holds a public briefing titled Biotech for Filipino Farmers: A Public Briefing on the Philippine Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations and Farmers' Perspectives on June 20, 2024, in General Santos City. As part of the Know the Science project, this public briefing aimed to provide recent developments and information on the status of biotechnology and biosafety systems in the Philippines.

The public briefing was attended by 111 participants representing important stakeholders in the region such as farmers, local government officials, members of the academe, and individuals from the agriculture sector. General Santos City Councilor Richard Atendido delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Honorable City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao. Mr. Atendido strongly believes that biotechnology is beneficial to the agricultural sector and they have been supporting biotechnology-related initiatives conducted in their province. Similarly, Mr. Zaldy Boloron, representing Mr. Roberto T. Perales, Regional Executive Director (Region XII), also expressed their support for biotechnology. Mr. Boloron mentioned that in their office at the Department of Agriculture, they believe that farmers are silent heroes of the nation and urged the use of biotechnology in improving agricultural productivity and livelihood.

The event featured presentations from Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc.; Ms. Ma. Lorelie U. Agbagala, Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Head Secretariat of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) and the DOST-Biosafety Committee; and Mr. Edwin Paraluman, member of PhilMaize and ASFARNET. Dr. Aldemita provided an overview of the biotechnology innovation and status, while Ms. Agbagala discussed the biosafety regulations in the Philippines, with emphasis on Golden Rice and Bt eggplant. Mr. Paraluman discussed the importance of Bt corn and Golden Rice in addressing pressing agricultural challenges in the country. He also shared his experiences as a farmer of biotech crops.

The event concluded with 87 signatories on the declaration of support for the commercial planting of Bt/HT corn, Bt eggplant, Bt cotton, and Golden Rice. Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc., facilitated the open discussion session for the resource persons and Mr. Boloron, a representative from local government units (LGU).

Dr. Paul Limson, Director of the DA Biotech Program Office, gave the closing remarks, recognizing the importance of knowledge-sharing activities of ISAAA and like-minded organizations to promote understanding and appreciation of biotechnology. “I do hope that this kind of activity becomes a recurring event to continuously foster a platform for dialogue and collaboration,” Dr. Limson said.

The public briefing was moderated by Janine Cyren Escasura, Project Technical Assistant at ISAAA Inc.

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