Visayas State University (VSU), one of the approved testing sites in the Philippines will continue with its planned multi-location field trial for the fruit and shoot borer resistant Bt eggplant.

In an article published January 15, 2011 in a local community newspaper, Dr. Edgardo Tulin, vice president for planning and research and head of the proposed field testing in the university, said that they would have to comply with all the requirements set by the Bureau of Plant Industry.

"We need to consult all stakeholders in Baybay and the surrounding communities of VSU. We have to follow procedures and we are guided by the Bureau of Plant Industry," he added.

He also attested that activities have been conducted to inform the public about Bt technology, a requirement in the country's genetic modification (GM) regulatory process. These activities include a briefing with Baybay, Leyte City council, several seminars in the university, and the posting of Public Information Sheets.

The original article may be found in http://leytesamardaily.net/2011/01/testing-of-bt-eggplant-at-vsu-to-push-through-says-official/.

For more information about Bt eggplant, visit SEARCA BIC's website http://www.bic.searca.org, or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org. Jenny A. Panopio and Sophia M. Mercado)

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