Biotechnology products and its potential in the Philippines
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
During the online forum entitled Regulatory Path to Commercialization of Biotech Products, spearheaded by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA Inc.) , Dr. Edgardo Tulin, a professor at Visayas State University (VSU), shared that BioMeg , a microbial inoculant for crops, was tested on Leyte and plans to expand trials to lahar-affected areas. The team studied BioMeg’s effects on sweet potato and purple yam, showing increased soil nutrients and crop nutritional value.
According to Dr. Tulin, BioMeg’s benefits to farmers would encourage adoption. Meanehile, Dr. Leny Galvez from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), explained that Bt cotton has been approved for commercialization, with seed support available for interested farmers. Dr. Romero highlighted the benefits of GM corn, such as higher income and reduced pesticide use, but stressed the need for better public communication about biotech.
These positive developments highlight the role of biotechnology for the future of Filipino farmers.
Dr. Paul Limson, director of Department of Agriculture’s Biotech, explained the complexity of bringing biotech products to market, requiring thorough testing, documentation, and evaluation for safety and compliance. With these challenges, he highlighted the importance of collaboration among regulatory authorities, industry players, and researchers to foster innovation and responsibly introduce biotech products.
According to Dr. Tulin, BioMeg’s benefits to farmers would encourage adoption. Meanehile, Dr. Leny Galvez from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), explained that Bt cotton has been approved for commercialization, with seed support available for interested farmers. Dr. Romero highlighted the benefits of GM corn, such as higher income and reduced pesticide use, but stressed the need for better public communication about biotech.
These positive developments highlight the role of biotechnology for the future of Filipino farmers.
Dr. Paul Limson, director of Department of Agriculture’s Biotech, explained the complexity of bringing biotech products to market, requiring thorough testing, documentation, and evaluation for safety and compliance. With these challenges, he highlighted the importance of collaboration among regulatory authorities, industry players, and researchers to foster innovation and responsibly introduce biotech products.
