BIOTECHNOLOGY can help the country generate more jobs and would reduce the exodus of Filipinos seeking jobs overseas, Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga said Tuesday.

“We could develop biotechnology, like malunggay. The Philippines is very rich in terms of resources, if we could only improve our natural and human resources, the Filipino will stay and not migrate,” he said.

Panlilio also said that Pampanga is open to biotechnology and the province is supporting its use in agriculture, as long as it is safe and benefits the populace.

“I am not an agriculturist, but is the use of GMO [genetically modified organism] harmful or beneficial?” he said.

“When it is beneficial, like this moringa, which is a good and affordable source of nutrients and already has a market for its products, we promote this kind of practice for our people.”

Panlilio said that biotechnology is a “means of expression and improvement” to uplift the economy and resolve problems in migration and political squabbling.

Panlilio also credited the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office (BPO) and Director Alicia Ilaga for promoting the use of biotechnology to develop more products from the lowly malunggay.

Malunggay seeds are good sources of biofuel while its fruits and leaves possess substantial amounts of vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium and other micronutrients.

The roots of malunggay are a good source of anti-cancer agents while its trunk may be harnessed for the production of ethanol from cellulose.

Provincial agriculturist Dr. Mario Mangiliman reiterated the governor’s statement that Pam–panga is open to the use of biotechnology and the province’s Farm and Resource Management Department is now focusing on malunggay cultivation.

Mangiliman emphasized that they are pushing for malunggay planting to fight malnutrition. He added the provincial government has allotted P74 million to purchase a shredder for the farmers to be able to manufacture their own bioorganic fertilizers.

“We cannot treat agriculture with no importance because without agriculture, industrialization cannot be a possibility. We should maintain it. We at the provincial government support the initiatives of the agriculture department,” Panlilio said.