ISAAA Webinar Explores Animal Biotech Regulations in the Philippines

ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech), held a webinar titled Unlocking the Potential of Animal Biotech in the Philippines: Research Updates and Regulatory Prospects on 10 April 2025 via Zoom. This webinar provided an overview of the status of animal biotechnology research and potential regulatory directions in the Philippines.

The webinar was attended by over 103 participants who were welcomed by Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. Dr. Aldemita hopes that, through this webinar, regulators and policymakers could have understood and appreciated the potential of animal biotechnology in the Philippines with science-based and fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks. Dr. Aldemita invited the audience to visit the ISAAA website, particularly the Gene-Edited Animal Database (GEAD) developed by ISAAA Inc. in collaboration with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).

Dr. Marvin A. Villanueva, Center Chief of DA - Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA-LBC), provided an overview of biotech applications in animals in the Philippines and other countries. Dr. Villanueva said that there are exciting opportunities for the use of modern biotechnology in addressing the pressing problems of the livestock industry in the country. He emphasized the need for education, public awareness, and adequate funding for biotech, research, and innovation to spur interest among young generations to join the workforce of promoting modern biotechnology.

Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Director of the DA - National Livestock Program (DA-NLP), discussed the status of policy initiatives on genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited animals in the Philippines. Dr. Mingala tackled the Proposed DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular (JDC) on GM Animals and Animal Products. According to Dr. Mingala, there is ongoing conduct of a full Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the proposed regulation, which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025. A benchmarking study about the adoption and use of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) in livestock and fisheries will also be conducted in support of the policy development.

An interactive discussion followed the presentations, featuring the speakers and Dr. Abraham J. Manalo, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance. The discussion was facilitated by Mr. Panfilo G. de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc. Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of DA Biotech, delivered his closing message emphasizing the potential of animal biotech in addressing pressing needs in agriculture. Dr. Limson said that the insights from the discussion underscore the critical importance of collaboration among researchers, regulators, industry partners, and policymakers for tackling these challenges.

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