The Philippines continues to take the lead in the development and approval of genetically-modified (GM) or bio-engineered crops in Southeast Asia.

Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD) Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora said that the Philippines is the "most advanced" in crop biotechnology in the region as it has the highest number of GM crops being developed in comparison to its neighbors.

Ebora presented the "Updates on Safety Regulation of GM Crops in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)" during the two-day preconference on Food and Nutrition Safety at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu.

Ebora said that as of last year, the Philippines has been developing seven GM crops, with four already approved for planting or cultivation.

The four genetically-modified crop varieties approved for planting and listed at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) are Bt corn, round-up ready corn, Bt 11 corn, and the stacked traits.

Filipino scientists are collaborating with the private sector in the development of Bt eggplant, as well as papaya ring spot virus (PRSV)-resistant papaya with delayed ripening trait.

The PCASTRD chief disclosed that the Philippines’ success in developing GM crops is due to its defined regulatory system and the strong support from the scientific community, particularly the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), one of the two national advisory bodies on Science and Technology (S & T) under the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

The Philippines’ lead in developing GM crops is followed by Singapore with three crops, and Thailand with two, particularly soybean and corn.

Ebora meanwhile said the use of biotechnology in Laos is "still at its inception phase" while Brunei and Malaysia have yet to approve GM crop varieties for commercial propagation.

He said other biotech-related developments in the ASEAN include Cambodia’s completion of its National Biosafety Framework and Malaysia’s passage of its Biosafety Act of 2007.

Thailand is also expected to pass the draft of its Biosafety Act by 2009.

Ebora noted however that although no GM crop have been commercialized in Malaysia and Thailand, both are already advanced in terms of biotechnology, pouring in a lot of investment in agri-biotechnology.

"ASEAN countries are in different stages of biosafety regulatory development. The situation presents a unique opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences," Ebora said.

"Prospects exist for collaborative biosafety projects of mutual interest," he added.