|
||
|
Maiden Issue n September 2007 |
||
|
. |
||
|
THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT BIONet towards a sustainable biotechnology industry
Biological technology – or biotechnology —defined as any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use actually offers a wide range of solutions to these problems. From using the traditional tissue culture technology to genetic engineering, scientists find ways to increase agricultural production, restore ecological balance and develop health care products using natural extracts. In the Philippines, genetic engineering is not yet widely acceptable but the traditional tissue culture technology and natural products have gained foothold in the market. The Biotechnology Information and Organization Network (BIONET) was formed then not only to take part in the awareness campaign on Biotechnology, but to focus more on its economic viability. BioCommerce Centers will be established in strategic areas to link the farmers to “Biotech” companies and vice versa. The organizational meeting of BIONET was done in April at the University of the Philippines-Diliman through the initiative of the Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Division. The first set of officers were elected and the draft Constitution-and-by-Laws was presented to the assembly. Last June 29, 2007 the National Board for BIONet met at the Department of Agriculture Central Office and finalized its Constitution-and-by-Laws. BIONET will be registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission as a foundation. Priority commodities to be given attention will be “malunggay”, papaya, and “atswete” but this will be expanded depending on the needs of the “Biotech” companies in the country. Secura International, based in Gingoog City, is ready to buy “malunggay” leaves, ‘malunggay” seeds and papaya latex. Recently, the Nature Technologies Philippines was registered in Butuan City with the plan of utilizing Neem Extracts for agricultural purposes. Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin, Jr. is the national president of BIONet and is also the vice president for academic affairs, research & extension of the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science & Technology and the consortium director of the Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Forestry & Resources Research & Development. |
BIOCommerce to perk up agriculture Kursong Biotek para LGUs inilunsad Editorial Columns Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin, Jr.
|
|
|
|
||
|
BIONet
Pilipinas
is published monthly by the Biotechnology Information and Organization
Network in cooperation with the Biotechnology for Life Media and Advocacy Resource Center with editorial offices at The Advocacy House, No. 8 Scout Chuatoco St., Roxas District, Quezon City. Telefax (02) 4137293 and (02)3728560. Email address: bionetpilipinas@gmail.com. |
||
|
|
||
THE
ever-increasing world population posts a tremendous challenge to
everyone. The possibility of food shortage due to the conversion of
agricultural lands into industrial, commercial or residential sites,
environmental problems due to improper waste disposal, and high demand
for natural health care products are just some of the problems being
posed to scientists to find solutions.