Philippines’ 21st National Biotechnology Week Highlights the Use of Artificial Intelligence

The Philippines' 21st National Biotechnology Week (NBW) kicks off on October 28, 2025, at the Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila, with the theme “#gAInBiotech: Growing AI, Nurturing Biotechnology.” Previously held every November, NBW was moved to the fourth week of September as declared in the Presidential Proclamation No. 921 (s. 2025). Hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd), this year's three-day celebration features forums, exhibits, competitions, and other activities from October 28 - 30, 2025.

“This year's theme highlights an exciting innovation: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in biotechnology,” said Dr. Carmela C. Oracion, Assistant Secretary and OIC-Undersecretary of the Learning Systems Strand in DepEd, during the opening ceremony. Dr. Oracion said that AI is helping scientists to design new medicines in just a fraction of the time it used to take. “It is a game changer not only in medicine, but also in agriculture and environmental protection,” she added.

As AI becomes part of modern life, Mr. Janir T. Datukan, Assistant Secretary of the Learning Systems Strand in DepEd, reminded the participants that new innovations and discoveries like AI will never replace humans. “They can augment what we are doing, but they can never replace us,” he said. Mr. Datukan emphasized that what we can do is to enhance the power and skills of AI to further improve systems and practices.

During NBW's opening ceremony, messages of support were delivered by Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of the Department of Agriculture - Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO); Forester Conrado B. Marques, Assistant Director at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB); Asec. Elizabeth N. Lopez-De Leon, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Asec. Farwa M. Hombre, Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH); Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The annual celebration of NBW follows the Presidential Proclamation No. 1414 (s. 2007) that promotes safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as a means to achieve and sustain food safety, equitable access to health services, a sustainable and safe environment, and industry development. This year's NBW is attended by the government, state universities and colleges, non-government organizations, professional associations, and the private sector.

Visit the NBW Booth Exhibits at the Grand Ballroom in Century Park Hotel. To learn more about the events and activities of the 21st NBW, visit the Facebook page of National Biotechnology Week.