Manilla, The Philippines
November 5, 2008
Source:
Manila Bulletin via
SEAMEO SEARCA
by Madel R. Sabater
The Philippines continues to take the lead in the development
and approval of genetically-modified (GM) or bio-engineered
crops in Southeast Asia.
Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research
and Development (PCASTRD) Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora
said that the Philippines is the "most advanced" in crop
biotechnology in the region as it has the highest number of GM
crops being developed in comparison to its neighbors.
Ebora presented the "Updates on Safety Regulation of GM Crops in
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)" during the
two-day preconference on Food and Nutrition Safety at the
Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu.
Ebora said that as of last year, the Philippines has been
developing seven GM crops, with four already approved for
planting or cultivation.
The four genetically-modified crop varieties approved for
planting and listed at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) are Bt
corn, round-up ready corn, Bt 11 corn, and the stacked traits.
Filipino scientists are collaborating with the private sector in
the development of Bt eggplant, as well as papaya ring spot
virus (PRSV)-resistant papaya with delayed ripening trait.
The PCASTRD chief disclosed that the Philippines' success in
developing GM crops is due to its defined regulatory system and
the strong support from the scientific community, particularly
the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), one of
the two national advisory bodies on Science and Technology (S &
T) under the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).
The Philippines' lead in developing GM crops is followed by
Singapore with three crops, and Thailand with two, particularly
soybean and corn.
Ebora meanwhile said the use of biotechnology in Laos is "still
at its inception phase" while Brunei and Malaysia have yet to
approve GM crop varieties for commercial propagation.
He said other biotech-related developments in the ASEAN include
Cambodia's completion of its National Biosafety Framework and
Malaysia's passage of its Biosafety Act of 2007.
Thailand is also expected to pass the draft of its Biosafety Act
by 2009.
Ebora noted however that although no GM crop have been
commercialized in Malaysia and Thailand, both are already
advanced in terms of biotechnology, pouring in a lot of
investment in agri-biotechnology.
"ASEAN countries are in different stages of biosafety regulatory
development. The situation presents a unique opportunity to
learn from each other's experiences," Ebora said.
"Prospects exist for collaborative biosafety projects of mutual
interest," he added. |
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