Scientists and communicators convene to update SEARCA’s agri-biotechnology module

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA —To equip local government leaders and public servants with science-based tools for agricultural innovation, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) convened leading biotechnology, public health, and science communication specialists for a two-day writeshop on 24–25 September 2026, at the SEARCA Residence Hall.

The writeshop focused on upgrading and expanding a comprehensive training module designed to help local government units (LGUs) navigate, implement, and communicate modern agricultural biotechnology initiatives.

The initiative is spearheaded under the Strengthening the Enabling Environment for the Development and Uptake of Modern Agricultural Biotechnology (SEED) project, implemented by SEARCA and funded by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) through the Biotechnology Program Office.

First developed in 2024 under SEARCA’s Building Understanding and Mobilizing Public Support for Agricultural Biotechnology (BUMP UP Biotech) project, the module is being updated to reflect emerging scientific advances, regulatory mechanisms, and practical governance challenges faced by local authorities in SEED project target areas.

Facilitated by the SEARCA SEED project management team—comprising Program Specialist Rochella Lapitan, Project Associate Krissane Cabral, and Project Assistant Maricel Adique—the writeshop leveraged expertise across five core learning domains:

• Foundational Science: Dr. Maribel Zaporteza, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Institute of Biological Sciences, is refining content on “Basic Concepts of Biotechnology,” breaking down genetics, heredity, and tangible applications such as biofertilizers and Bt corn.
• Public Health and Environment: Dr. Nina Gloriani, former Dean of the UP Manila College of Public Health and former Director of SEAMEO TROPMED, is crafting lessons on “Biotechnology for Health and the Environment,” evaluating human and animal health applications, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), environmental sustainability, and safety protocols.
• Biosafety and Regulation: Mr. Carlo Custodio, Jr., Philippine Country Coordinator of the Program for Biosafety Systems, leads “Biotechnology Risks and Safeguards,” covering risk assessment frameworks, biosafety principles, and responsive regulatory approaches.
• Local Policy and Execution: Ms. Jenny Panopio, President of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc., and Senior Advisor at Narraharvest Advisors Pte. Ltd., is authoring “Local Governance for Agricultural Biotechnology: Policies, Programs, and Implementation,” centering on the national regulatory environment and practical LGU policy support.
• Media and Science Communication: Dr. Ruby Cristobal, Senior Lecturer at the UPLB College of Development Communication (CDC), is developing “BioTekTok sa Media: Talking about Agri-Biotechnology in the Media,” providing frontline officials with actionable skills in media relations, crisis communication, press conference management, and science storytelling.

Dr. Maria Stella Tirol, former Dean of the UPLB College of Development Communication, serves as the Lead Technical and Editorial Reviewer, overseeing the module’s clarity, scientific integrity, and instructional quality.

Once finalized, the enhanced curriculum will roll out as an operational field manual and training guide, directly supporting public servants in translating modern agricultural biotechnology into evidence-based community development and food security programs.