ISAAA Inc, in partnership with the Philippine Biotechnology for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program Office) and the Asian Farmer’s Network (ASFARNET), recently held a public briefing titled Biotech for Filipino Farmers: A Public Briefing on the Philippine Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations in Iloilo City.
This public briefing, part of the Know the Science project, aimed to provide recent developments and information on the status of biotechnology and biosafety systems in the Philippines.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
The event was attended by 130 participants representing important stakeholders in the province, including rice and corn farmers, local government officials, members of the academe, and individuals from the private and agriculture sectors.
Iñigo D. Garingalao, the Iloilo City Agriculturist, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas. Garingalao emphasized that the event contributes to many of Iloilo City’s ongoing initiatives towards food security.
Delson Sonza, a corn seed grower and trader from Iloilo, also gave a welcome message to the attendees. “On behalf of Ilonggo farmers, we welcome everyone to learn more about the updates of biotechnology in the Philippines,” Sonza said.
The event featured presentations from Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc., and Ma Lorelie U. Agbagala, Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology and Head Secretariat of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP).
Dr. Aldemita provided an overview of the Philippines’ and global biotechnology status and innovations. Agbagala discussed the Philippine biosafety regulations and explained how Golden Rice and Bt eggplant went through the process of biosafety approval.
The event provided a platform for Filipino farmers to voice their concerns and learn about the benefits of adopting biotechnology in their agricultural practices. Biotechnology experts emphasized that crops like Bt eggplant and Golden Rice could enhance yield and nutritional value, addressing issues of malnutrition and food scarcity in rural communities
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