Scientists Share Facts on Philippine Biotech Crops

Technology developers Dr. Desiree M. Hautea of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) of the fruit and shoot borer (FSB) resistant Bt eggplant; Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza (UPLB) of the long shelf life and virus resistant papaya; and Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso (Philippine Rice Research Institute) of the vitamin A-fortified Golden Rice in the Philippines shared their scientific and expert opinions, facts and updates on the modern biotechnologies to the public during a symposium held last August 26, 2011 at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

In "Straight from the Scientists: The Facts about Delayed Ripening Papaya, Bt eggplant, and Golden Rice", the project leaders explained how each project was developed, its mechanism, research and development status, safety and potential benefits, to the students and members of the academe, media, and other sectors who attended the symposium. The scientists shared that these public sector biotech products are all being assessed for food and environmental safety in accordance with the Philippine biosafety framework.

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (BIOTECH-UPLB), said during his welcome remarks that the symposium intended to increase the awareness of the community about the issues and concerns on biotech crops. He also noted that the best sources of information are the scientists themselves. In her message, Dr. Editha Burgos, Director of the Jose Burgos Media Services, encouraged the students to study the truth so that it may be used to serve others. She also highlighted that various sectors such as the media and students play important roles in the field of biotechnology.

The symposium was organized by UPLB, the Department of Agriculture – Biotech Program, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, the Jose Burgos Media Services, the Biotech for Life Media and Advocacy Resource Center (BMARC), the Crop Protection Cluster of UPLB, Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) Philippines, and SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center.

For detailed information about the symposium, visit the related article in SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center's website http://www.bic.searca.org or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org.