Biotech For Life Antique Forum Highlights
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
On August 22, 2024, BiotechForLife under the DA-BPO held the Forum on Supporting the Philippine Government’s Food Sufficiency and Food Security Goals in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
The goal of the forum is to discuss the current challenges and opportunities related to food security in the province of Antique and to further foster a collaborative environment where key stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, and local farmers, came together to discuss the current state of the agricultural industry and the best practices moving forward.
The Forum started with a presentation from Dr. Saturnina Halos, renowned biotechnologist, on the concept of regenerative agriculture, the “practice of maximizing agricultural productivity while ensuring that the environment remains healthy and whole” as she puts it. Dr. Vivencio Mamaril followed with a presentation on the regulation process of GMOs, and how the government agencies in charge of such ensures the safety of such products before they are allowed into the market.
After a short lunch break, was an extensive presentation on the history of Bt corn in the province by Aljim Salvan, the municipal corn coordinator of Patnongon. The presentation highlighted the ease of transitioning from the use of the native variety, and the favorable yield and ease of maintenance of the Bt variety. The next speaker was Lourd Franz Gabunda, Head of the Department of Biotechnology at the Visayas State University, who gave a presentation on providing education and skills necessary for development of biotechnological innovations. He highlighted the plethora of facilities and programs at the VSU and ongoing expansion to provide better education in the field of agriculture.
The forum ended off with a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique, Jessilito Sumande Jr., who presented a resolution for the promotion and adoption of regenerative agriculture in the province of Antique. Sponsored by five other officials from the province, the resolution is a promising step in the advancement of sustainable agriculture.
In the end, all participants seem to have left satisfied with their experience in the forum, many of the farmers saying they learned much from the speakers, especially on the benefits of GM crops and regenerative agriculture. The provincial officials expressed their thanks for organizing such an event, and look forward to future projects.
