THERE is no doubt that biotechnology has helped boost our agricultural sector, said Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Biotech) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Ebora said products from conventional biotechnology, such as bio-fertilizers have helped farmers increase their yields.
Likewise, Bacillus thuringiensis corn, a product of advanced biotechnology, is widely adopted by Filipino farmers and has helped the country attain self-sufficiency in corn, he added.
Biotechnology, as defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity, is “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.”
Ebora made the statement at a news conference for the National Biotechnology Week celebration held this week at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Meanwhile, Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio, director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development, disclosed that the DOST is investing a lot in biotechnology, especially in the field of genomics.
Among the DOST’s projects is using genomic techniques to shorten the breeding time of high-value crops, such as sugarcane, she said.
The project aims to produce varieties with higher yield and disease resistance, among others, by 2016.
Need for more ‘Steam‘
DR. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., director of Office of Planning Research and Knowledge Management-CHED, emphasized the need for more biotechnology researchers and scientists in the country to propel the country to progress.
Thus, CHED is keen on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Agri-Fisheries and Mathematics (Steam) courses, according to Juanillo. “We need to develop a culture of curiosity,” he said, revealing that out of 3.1 million enrollees for this school year, only 549,107 are enrolled in Steam courses. The push for Steam is also evident in CHED’s Research and Development and Extension program, which focuses on food production and security, disaster preparedness, smart analytics, translational health and marine biodiversity, he added.
Biotechnology scholarship to increase pool of experts
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) launched its Biotechnology Scholarship Program during the opening ceremonies of the National Biotechnology Week held at the CHED Auditorium.
Thirty-three students from Central Luzon State UPLB and Visayas State University were awarded scholarships on agricultural biotechnology and related fields.
DA Biotech Program Director Antonio A. Alfonso said that the scholarship program offers a competitive package of privileges—not only in monetary terms but also in opportunities for training under its research-mentorship component from the country’s leading scientists in agri-biotechnology partner-institutions, such as Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Carabao Center and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institution.
The program aims to “contribute in addressing the need for more scientists and researchers in the field of biotechnology,” he related.
The grant includes full tuition every semester, allowance for textbook, monthly living allowance and other incentives.
Alfonso said the DA hopes to offer the scholarship programs to more state universities and colleges in the succeeding years.
The National Biotechnology Week is an annual event organized by the departments of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Education, Health, Interior and Local Government, and of Trade and of Industry, and CHED as this year’s lead agency.
This year’s theme is “Edukasyon sa Bioteknolohiya: Pagyamanin para sa Kinabukasan Natin.”
Image credits: Ian Go