The top biotechnology expert of the Department of Agriculture said the Philippines may soon find itself planting genetically engineered trees if it is to meet the country’s timber, pulp and paper requirements and save its remaining forests from extinction.

Dr. Saturnina Halos said the Philippines is becoming more reliant on planted trees for its timber, pulp and paper requirements, and will soon be compelled to turn to genetically engineered trees to meet the local industry demand.

One genetically engineered species that may be introduced in the Philippines, according to Halos, is Eucalyptus camaldulensis, genetically engineered for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils.

The species may be suitable in polluted mining areas, she said, referring to areas where large-scale mineral exploration is being done.

Addressing scientists and representatives of government biosafety policy and regulatory bodies during the Seminar on Forestry Biotechnology at the National Pesticide Analytical Laboratory Conference Room, Bureau of Plant Industry Compound in Quezon City, Halos said there is a need for the government to prepare for the inevitable, which is the introduction of genetically engineered trees with superior traits in the Philippines.

The seminar was organized by the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines as part of the weeklong celebration of the 3rd National Biotechnology Week.

Halos presented papers, entitled “Genetically Engineered Trees: Global Status and Prospects and the Philippines” and “Genetically Engineered Trees: Biosafety Considerations and Policy Recommendations,” along with forester Jesus Javier, chief of the Reforestation Division of the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Javier presented a paper on the “Green Philippines Program: Trees for Life” being spearheaded by the DENR, which aims to plant 20 million trees as part of its massive reforestation efforts.

According to Halos, from 2000 to 2005, the volume supplied by planted trees ranges between 62 percent and 92 percent.

She said the government plans to establish 40,000 hectares of commercial plantations per year, or a total of one million hectares over the next 25 years, to meet the country’s timber requirements.