The Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) has been conferred another five-year funding support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as the latter renewed its partnership with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for the PBS implementation, according to a press release.

The PBS, an IFPRI-managed program that supports development and implementation of national biosafety systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, has established itself as a leading program in biosafety capacity development during its first phase of implementation through a variety of partner–driven activities and initiatives including training workshops, competitive grants program, biosafety policy analysis and policy development, and consultative guidance on biotechnology product development.

In the Philippines, PBS closely collaborates with the Departments of Agriculture, and Science and Technology for biosafety policy development, capacity building and regulatory decision-making. Likewise, it also partners with the University of the Philippines for the implementation and management of its work plan for Southeast Asia.

In its second phase, the PBS will continue to design and implement partner country activities in close collaboration with in-country teams, partners and collaborators to provide: 1) Regulatory and technical expertise; 2) Scientific knowledge and product advisory services; 3) Policy analysis and research-based policy advice; 4) Capacity building and skills development; and 5) Facilitation of multi-stakeholder policy processes.

Further information can be viewed at IFPRI’s press release, http://ifpriblog.org/2009/02/11/pbspressrelease.aspx or visit the website of PBS at http://www.ifpri.org/pbs/pbs.asp. (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