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_at_agri.searca.org.(Jenny
A. Panopio and Sophia
M. Mercado)
