Researchers, scientists, students, and academe members recently convened in a forum which aimed to provide the participants with the latest on modern biotechnology in the country as well as the basic concepts and applied information on biotechnology. The Forum on Biotechnology: Breakthroughs in Science and Technology was held at the University of St. La Salle (USLS), Bacolod City, Negros Occidental last May 2, 2011 and was organized by the Philippine Phytopathological Society (PPS) in collaboration with USLS.

The speakers were from various science institutions, agencies, and organizations in the country. Ms. Jenny A. Panopio of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture – Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC) and Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso from the Philippine Rice Research Institute gave talks on the basic concepts and principles of molecular biology and biotechnology and application on crop varietal improvement, respectively.

Regulation, issues in commercialization and utilization, and the cost of developing biotech products were separately discussed by Ms. Ma. Lorelei Agbagala of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Dr. Randy A. Hautea of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), and Mr. Godfrey Ramon of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP). Meanwhile, Dr. Angelina C. Mendoza-Garces of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) introduced the Philippine initiatives on modern biotechnology called "Philippine Agriculture and Forestry Biotechnology Agenda (PAFBA)" which are anchored on the national policies, thrusts, and needs of key stakeholders.

The forum was part of the efforts of the PPS as a professional organization to encourage the exchange of information and knowledge among various stakeholders related to science and technology. This activity was also supported by ISAAA, SEARCA BIC, BCP, Pioneer-Hi-bred Philippines, Monsanto Philippines, and Lineline Diagnostics Supplies.

For more updates on biotechnology in the Philippines, visit SEARCA BIC's website http://www.bic.searca.org or email 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