SEARCA together with the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Application (ISAAA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) is working together to address key aspects of biosafety regulation on animal biotechnology.
"It is important for us to talk about animal biotechnology and how we can enjoy its potential benefits while ensuring that these products are reliable, and safe for both people and the planet. This begins with developing a science-based, credible, transparent, and effective regulatory framework," says Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita, ISAAA SEAsiaCenter Director.
According to SEARCA Director Glenn B. Gregorio, "SEARCA continues to stand by science-based innovations that offer farmers and consumers safe and effective options to accelerate transformation in the agricultural sector. We look forward to a comprehensive regulatory framework that protects public health and safety, ensures food security, and most importantly, encourages research and development of innovations that will benefit countless farmers and farming families in the Philippines and beyond."
The three-day virtual training workshop gave international and local experts from both private and public sectors a platform that encourages discussion and sharing of experiences as well as practical guidelines on safety assessment. The activity also presented an opportunity for experts to assess the draft Philippine regulatory framework on genetically modified (GM) animals as well as identify agency gaps and capacities in regulating GM animals.
More than 80 participants composed of technology developers and regulators from different Philippine government agencies attended the training-workshop.