ISAAA Engages Public with Forum and Exhibit at National Biotechnology Week 2026

As part of the 2026 National Biotechnology Week, themed "Biotek para sa Kinabukasan: Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran," a week-long interactive exhibit and a hybrid forum were organized by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Biotech Program Office (DA-BPO). The activities were conducted under the collaborative Know the Science project as part of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program, providing opportunities for the public to learn more about agricultural biotechnology, its applications, and its role in addressing current challenges in Philippine agriculture.

Throughout the week, hundreds of visitors were welcomed at ISAAA's interactive booth, where agricultural biotechnology was presented through various educational materials and activities. Free copies of ISAAA publications, including Pinoy Biotek and Double Helix magazines, were distributed to provide information on biotechnology and its applications. Knowledge on agricultural biotechnology was also tested through the "Wheel of Gene-ius" trivia game, while different agricultural biotechnology traits were explored through the popular "Which Agri-Biotech Crop Are You?" personality quiz. Custom event stickers were given to participants who completed the activities.

ISAAA's NBW activities culminated in the hybrid forum "Cultivating Resilience: A Forum on Ag-Biotech Solutions for Climate Change," where the role of agricultural biotechnology in addressing climate-related challenges was discussed. The forum highlighted the need for agricultural systems that can adapt to climate stresses while sustaining productivity and reducing environmental impacts, with biotechnology presented as one of the tools that can complement climate-resilient agriculture. An overview of the Philippine agricultural landscape and its changing climate context was provided by Ms. Agnes Catherine T. Miranda, CESO III, Director of the DA Climate Resilient Agriculture Office. Emerging ag-biotech innovations for climate adaptation and mitigation were then presented by Dr. Leilani D. Pelegrina, Director of the DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division. A panel discussion with the speakers led by Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) further emphasized that addressing climate-related challenges in agriculture requires a multifaceted approach, with biotechnology working alongside advances in research, policy, extension, and other efforts to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

The forum also featured the awarding of the Biotech for Reel competition winners. More than 200 entries were received from participants across the Philippines, with short-form videos showcasing biotechnology and its applications in everyday life. The reels of the finalists will be posted in the Know the Science Facebook page.