ISAAA Inc. Provides Information on the Recent Developments in Gene Editing

ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program Office), held a webinar titled Advancing Frontiers of Biotechnology: Exploring Gene Editing in Crops and Animals on August 22, 2024, via Zoom, to provide information and recent developments on gene editing in crops and animals.

The webinar was attended by 383 participants representing the general public and various DA Biotech Program R&D constituents and centers, including the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), Visayas State University (VSU), National Fisheries Research and Development Institute - Fisheries Biotechnology Center (NFRDI-FBC), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

The participants were welcomed by Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. Dr. Aldemita mentioned that gene editing is one of the innovations that will drive food production and environmental sustainability. "We are hoping that the science and application on these crops, animals, and the products in the pipeline will give you an idea of what is in store in the future," Dr. Aldemita said.

The webinar featured Dr. Maribel M. Zaporteza, an Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Dr. Rhoda Mae C. Simora, an Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Visayas. Dr. Zaporteza provided an overview of the process and tools used in gene editing and presented a few examples of gene-edited crops including Tropic's gene-edited banana and high GABA tomato, which are approved to be imported and cultivated in the Philippines.

Dr. Simora discussed the major milestones of gene editing applications in the livestock and fisheries industries. She provided an overview of the status of gene editing regulations in the global and Philippine context and highlighted the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Draft Guidance Document for the Contained Use of Genetically Modified (GM) and Gene-edited (GEd) Fish in 2024. Dr. Simora concluded that, "Genetically engineered animals are not "organic", but if they reduce or eliminate chemical and antibiotic use, is that not as beneficial as organic?"

An interactive exchange of knowledge and insights among the resource persons and participants followed the presentations, which was facilitated by Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc. Dr. Paul C. Limson, the Director of DA Biotech Program Office, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the important role of biotechnology in paving the way for addressing some of the world's agricultural challenges. The event was moderated by Janine Cyren Escasura, Project Technical Assistant at ISAAA Inc.

Watch the recorded webinar on ISAAA webinars page and YouTube. For inquiries, email knowledgecenter@isaaa.org.