Symposium on Modern Biotechnology for Food
and Agriculture in Zamboanga City a success

THE Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), the J. Burgos Media Services Inc., together with the Biotechnology Media and Advocacy Resource Center (BMARC) and the West Mindanao State University (WMSU) jointly organized a symposium on Modern Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture held on February 24, 2011 at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City.

 The symposium was conducted as part of the university’s Arts and Science Week and 2-day 4^th Breeder Science Celebration sponsored by the WMSU College of Science and Mathematics in cooperation with the BCP. The theme of the 2-day Breeder Science Celebration was “Expanding the frontiers of Science and Mathematics Research for Social Relevance”.

The symposium was attended by more than 100 participants from the academic units of WMSU, other colleges and universities in Zamboanga City, relevant government agencies, and local government units.

WMSU’s College of Science and Mathematics of the Department of Biology and Natural Sciences hosted the program, led by Dean Dr. Marilou C. Elago. WMSU President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos formally welcomed the participants and resource speakers, citing the need to update not only the science community but also the general public on the different applications of modern biotechnology and its benefits. The DOST Region IX Director delivered the keynote address. Her message focused on how biotechnology applications are already addressing the current challenges being faced by humanity. Among the areas of concern mentioned that are and could be addressed by modern biotech applications are in (1) meeting food requirements amidst increasing world population, (2) mitigating environmental pressure brought by agriculture and industry, (3) remediating environmental degradation, and (4) contributing to agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Antonio Laurena of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños provided an overview of modern biotechnology, with focus on agriculture. He also described the research and development activities local scientists are working on using modern agricultural biotechnology. He left the participants with a take-home message that biotechnology can be harnessed to contribute to food security and sustainable agricultural productivity.

Mr. Godfrey Ramon of the BCP presented some of the agri-biotech products in the pipeline, including Pinoy GMOs. He discussed the status and the anticipated benefits of the following: (1) delayed ripening and virus resistant papaya, (2) Bt cotton, (3) Bt eggplant, (4) Golden rice, and other research activities under the purview of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines. The participants expressed anticipation of the eventual commercialization of these biotech products upon learning of the consumer benefits.

Ms. Merle Palacpac of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) described the key concepts of biosafety and the approval process of biotech crops to ensure safety for humans, animals, and the environment. She also shared BPI’s experience in implementing biosafety regulations, noting the disruptive activities of the anti-GMO groups that impede safety evaluations. In her presentation, she stressed that the Philippine biosafety system complies with internationally accepted standards and best practices and is being viewed as a model for developing countries.

Dr. Nina Gloriani of the University of the Philippines - Manila talked about ensuring the safety of biotech crops and their products for humans. She stressed that biotech crops have already been widely and heavily used and consumed, especially as component ingredients in processed foods. She added that, since the commercialization of biotech crops in 1996, no ill effects have been reported and verified. Basic concepts of evaluating food safety (host and donor characterization, toxicity, allergenicity, substantial equivalence) were also tackled, noting that GM food safety assessment is more rigorous than for other crop production technologies.    

Mr. Abraham Manalo of the BCP discussed the acceptability, adoption, and societal benefits of biotech crops. He presented charts and figures that attest to the wide adoption of biotech crops in both developed and developing countries. Empirical data were also presented to show biotech crops’ contribution for the economy, environment, food security, and to society. He also touched on the acceptance of different major religions, including Islam.

The symposium ended with the closing remarks of WMSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Milabel E. Ho. She congratulated the leadership of the College of Sciences and Mathematics in organizing the activity, and thanked the BCP and BMARC for their support to the university’s academic endeavors.