The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the country’s highest advisory body on science and technology recently opened to the public Biotecknolohiya!, a biotechnology exhibit. Bioteknolohiya! aims to promote awareness and understanding of the potential and actual benefits of the safe and responsible applications of modern biotechnology in agriculture, health, industry and environment in the context of sustainable development.

With science and technology secretary Estrella Alabastro as guest of honor, NAST also launched three of its latest publications on 15 December 2005 at the Philippine Science and Heritage Center, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City.

Bioteknolohiya! was established through the partnership between the NAST Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSH) and Monsanto Fund in cooperation with Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD), Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD), Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC), CropLife Philippines and Syngenta.

On display at the Bioteknolohiya! are highly informative and colorful exhibits showcasing products of both traditional and modern biotechnology demonstrating to the visitors that biotechnology has been practiced in the country even before the Spaniards came in the 16th century with products such as the bagoong, tuba and patis already on the Filipinos’ dining tables. Also on display is the highly interesting identity quiz demonstrating the practical application of modern biotechnology -DNA fingerprinting. More can be seen at the exhibit which demonstrates how products of both traditional and modern biotechnology are being used in our everyday lives.

The three publications launched were Issues and Concerns of Modern Biotechnology edited by Academician Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza; Current Status of Medical Education in the Philippines edited by Dr. Ramon Arcadio and Academician Perla Santos-Ocampo; and The Assessment of the National Rabies Prevention, Control and Vaccination Program of the Bureau of Animal Industry edited by Academician Teodulo Topacio, Jr.

For more information about Bioteknolohiya! and how to get copies of the recently launched publications, please contact Luningning Samarita, Executive Director, NAST, Philippine Science and Heritage Center, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines with telephone (63-2)837-3170 and email address secretariat@nast.ph or nast@dost.gov.ph. (DCABaracol)