Recognizing their exemplary contribution in promoting biotechnology in the Philippines, Dr. Randy A. Hautea, Global Coordinator and Southeast Asia Center Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), and Ms. Sonny P. Tababa, former Network Administrator of the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC), received special citations at the 4th Jose G. Burgos, Jr. Awards for Biotech Journalism. The award was given in a ceremony held at the Institute of Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City on 27 November 2008.

Dr. Hautea was conferred for his commendable leadership at ISAAA for facilitating the transfer of crop biotechnology applications and the benefits of new agricultural biotechnologies to the country through public-private partnerships. He persistently assists the national programs on biotechnology through R&D grants, and has been instrumental in the establishment of pool of experts by supporting capability building programs in the fields of food safety, biosafety, risk assessment and risk management, intellectual property rights, and communication.

Likewise, Ms. Tababa was recognized for her contribution in promoting public understanding and acceptance of biotechnology in the country through her successful coordination and implementation of biotechnology advocacy programs of the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center, making it as one of the most credible source of science-based information on biotechnology. Her purposeful effort in advancing biotechnology information in the country has reached out to several stakeholders, including scientists, farmers, media, policy makers, regulators, academe, NGOs and students making her a prominent persona in the Philippine biotech community.

The Jose G. Burgos, Jr. Awards for Biotech Journalism is held annually to recognize Filipino science journalists and biotech workers who contribute in promoting and communicating biotechnology in the country.

The award is organized by the Biotechnology for Life Media Advocacy and Resource Center, a consortium of the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Biotech Coalition of the Philippines, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Development, and the J. Burgos Media Services Inc. (Rochella B. Lapitan, SEARCA BIC)

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Jenny A. Panopio
Special Project Coordinator & Network Administrator
Biotechnology Information Center
SEAMEO SEARCA
College, Laguna 4031
Email: jap at agri.searca.org
Tel: (63-49)536-2290 loc 169 or 406
Tele/Fax: (63-49)536-4105
URL: www.bic.searca.org