Scientists, regulators, media push unified biotech policy

Scientists, government regulators, and media professionals convened on October 14, 2025, for a national forum aimed at strengthening biotechnology communication and policy support in the Philippines.

Held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, the event was jointly organized by Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), CropLife Philippines, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to promote multi-sector dialogue on biotechnology research, regulation, and public adoption.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Ruby Roan Cristobal, president of SciCommPH, emphasized biotechnology’s role in ensuring food security, improving public health, and enhancing climate resilience.

She called on journalists to elevate science communication through credible reporting.

“Let this be a session of constructive engagement, productive discussion, and shared commitment to advancing the well-being of Filipinos through the safe, responsible, and effective application of agricultural biotechnology,” Cristobal said.

Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, SEARCA’s program head for research and thought leadership, underscored the critical role of effective communication in advancing scientific innovations.

She stressed the need for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and the media.

“The media plays an indispensable role as storytellers, educators, and catalysts of public understanding. Hence, we invite the media to bridge the science and policy on agri-biotechnology, and combat misinformation through evidence-based reporting,” she said.

Plenary presentations tackled global and local developments in biotechnology, including genetically modified and gene-edited crops such as Malusog (Golden) Rice, Bt corn, and Bt eggplant.

Discussions also highlighted persistent challenges, including public misinformation and uneven policy awareness.

Ms. Jenny Panopio, biotech consultant for CropLife Philippines, moderated the session.

Ms. Kristine Tome, Program Officer II at the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) shared data showing global genetically modified (GM) crop adoption rose by 10% between 2019 and 2024 across 32 countries, most of them developing nations.

“We must continue building partnerships to advance sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agricultural biotechnology for the Filipino people,” Tome said.

Mr. Joy Bartolome Duldulao, branch director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute Isabela Station, introduced the Healthier Rice Program, which aims to fight malnutrition through biofortified varieties such as Malusog Rice and High-Iron and Zinc Rice, or HiZR.

“Rice can do more than fill our stomachs—it can nourish lives, strengthen communities, and build a healthier nation,” Duldulao said.

Dr. Lourdes Taylo, scientist I at the University of the Philippines Los Baños–Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB), presented research on Bt eggplant, the country’s first locally developed GM crop that protects against the eggplant fruit and shoot borer.

“Bt eggplant offers farmers a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical control,” she said.

Dr. Clarisse Gonsalvo of the UPLB College of Development Communication shared findings from Pampanga on social dynamics influencing Bt corn adoption.

The study found that trust and lived experience often outweighed policy considerations in farmers’ decisions.

“Adoption is not just about yield, it’s also about identity and trust,” she said.

Gonsalvo urged policymakers to integrate social science insights into biotechnology strategies.

“If the precautionary principle tells us, ‘when in doubt, stop,’ social science tells us, ‘when in doubt, listen,’” she added.

A panel discussion featured experts from key regulatory agencies, including Dr. Joel Adorada of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry, Dr. Saturnina Halos of the DA-Biotechnology Program Office, and Dr. Reynante Ordonio of PhilRice.

Moderated by Dr. Winifredo Dagli of UPLB, the panel discussed recent regulatory milestones and persistent challenges such as legal barriers, local moratoria, and public skepticism.

Panelists advocated coexistence among biotech, organic, and conventional farming systems to preserve farmers’ freedom to choose production methods.

During the open forum, attendees raised concerns about seed accessibility, affordability, intellectual property rights, and public confusion between genetic modification and gene editing.

Experts clarified that both technologies fall under biotechnology, though gene-edited crops may be subject to less stringent regulatory processes.

Farmer testimonials highlighted increased yields and income from biotech crops but also noted obstacles such as seed access and market integration.

Panelists emphasized the need for judicial and legislative involvement in developing inclusive, science-based policies.

Ms. Ma. Aileen Garcia, senior manager for project coordination and advocacy at the Healthier Rice Program of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) closed the session by stressing the importance of public engagement.

“Science communication is key to bridging innovation and public understanding,” Garcia said.

She encouraged sustained efforts to build trust and support for innovations such as healthier rice.

The forum ended with a unified call for stronger science communication and cross-sector collaboration to ensure agricultural biotechnology continues benefiting Filipino farmers and consumers.

Mr. Ramon Abadilla, executive director of CropLife Philippines, concluded the event by emphasizing the need to continue telling biotechnology’s story—“one of inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability”—and to carry that message forward on behalf of the country’s farmers.