The SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC), in cooperation with the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), organized and implemented a two-day workshop on biotechnology issues and risk communication for the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II (ABSP II) Southeast Asia Center. It was held in Tagaytay City, Philippines on 18-19 April 2005. Twenty-four participants from the local science community, academe, and government sectors were joined by six international participants from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The workshop aimed to introduce ABSP II to the participants and provide updates on the status of various projects of ABSP II, such as Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV), Fruit and Shoot Borer-Resistant (FSBR) Eggplant, and Multiple Virus-Resistant (MVR) Tomato. It also aimed to update scientists on the latest issues surrounding these projects and enable them to understand the likely responses of various audiences to risk messages. The participants were trained in crafting messages, strategies, and organizational policies that are responsive to all concerns about biotechnology/ABSP II products. Moreover, they learned how to develop strategies to enhance trust and minimize conflict over risk issues, and understand ways to deal with risk communication proactively.

During the workshop, resource persons provided inputs on ABSP II and Southeast Asia projects, and discussed technical issues on food safety, environmental safety, and socio-economics in the context of risk communication. Group exercises on message mapping, writing for the print media, and mock media interviews were done to complement the theoretical aspects of the lectures. Country experiences on dealing with genetically modified crops, particularly those of the Philippines and Thailand, were likewise shared with the group. (SPTababa)

- SEARCA Diary, June 2005
( http://web.searca.org/sdiary.asp?SDArticleID=93).