Manila, The Philippines
August 5, 2008
The National Committee on
Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), Departments of Science and
Technology (DOST), Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), and Health (DOH) proudly announce the official
launching of the BCH Pilipinas:
The Philippine Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) at the Aguila
Hall, Visitors' Center, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center,
Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, on 7 August 2008.
The establishment of the BCH Pilipinas by the Philippines is in
compliance to Article 20, paragraph 1 of the Cartagena Protocol
on Biosafety, being a Party to the Protocol. The objectives of
the BCH are to: (a) facilitate the exchange of scientific,
technical, environmental and legal information on, and
experience with, Living Modified Organisms (LMOs), and (b)
assist Parties to implement the Protocol, taking into account
the special needs of developing country Parties. The BCH will
serve as a "one-stop-shop" where biosafety-related information
of the country, such laws and regulations, risk assessment on
approved LMOs for food, feed and processing, national report,
competent national authorities on LMOs, and national contacts
among other information can be accessed.
The setting up of the BCH Pilipinas was carried out with the aid
of the UNEP-GEF Project for Effective Participation on the
Biosafety Clearing House of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Aside from its launching in the National Capital Region, similar
activities will be held on 19 August 2008 in Cebu City and in
Davao City on 21 August 2008.
To learn more about BCH Pilipinas, visit its website at
http://bch.dost.gov.ph. |
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