Building on the success of the inaugural day, CropLife Philippines, in collaboration with CropLife Asia and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), continued the 15th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program with a focused session on "Biosafety Regulations." Held virtually from October 18 to 22, 2021, the five-day webinar series runs daily from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, engaging participants through Zoom and livestream platforms. Recorded sessions are accessible on CropLife Philippines' Facebook page and YouTube channel for those unable to attend live.
Day 2 Highlights: Biosafety Regulations
The second day, October 19, featured an in-depth exploration of biosafety regulations critical to the safe and sustainable implementation of biotechnology in agriculture. The session was moderated by Abraham Manalo of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), who guided the discussions and facilitated participant engagement.
Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Saturnina C. Halos, President of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), opened the session with an insightful presentation titled "Overview of Biosafety Regulations: Environmental Risk Assessment, Food Safety Assessment." Dr. Halos elaborated on the essential frameworks and protocols that ensure biotechnology applications in agriculture do not pose risks to the environment or human health. Her expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape governing biosafety.
Interactive Poll and Q&A
Following Dr. Halos' presentation, a 10-minute poll and Q&A segment allowed participants to engage directly with the content, pose questions, and share their perspectives on biosafety practices.
Key Presentations
The program continued with two distinguished speakers who shared their experiences and insights on the commercialization of genetically modified crops:
Philippine Bt Corn – Road to Commercialization
Dr. Gabriel Romero, Executive Director of the Phil Seed Industry Association (PSIA), presented on the journey of Philippine Bt Corn towards commercialization. He discussed the scientific developments, regulatory approvals, and collaborative efforts required to bring Bt Corn to Filipino farmers. Dr. Romero highlighted the benefits of Bt Corn in enhancing crop yields and reducing pesticide usage, underscoring its potential impact on sustainable agriculture.
Japan GABA Tomato – Road to Commercialization
Dr. Hiroshi Ezura, Professor at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan, shared his expertise on the "Japan GABA Tomato – Road to Commercialization." Dr. Ezura detailed the development process, from genetic modification to market introduction, of GABA-enriched tomatoes in Japan. His presentation provided valuable lessons on product development, consumer acceptance, and the regulatory pathways that facilitated the successful commercialization of this innovative crop.
Final Interactive Segment and Closing Remarks
The session concluded with a general poll and a comprehensive Q&A segment, allowing participants to reflect on the day's discussions and seek further clarifications. Abraham Manalo delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways and emphasizing the importance of adhering to biosafety regulations to ensure the responsible use of biotechnology in agriculture.
Looking Ahead
Day 2 of the 15th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program reinforced CropLife Philippines' commitment to empowering farmers with knowledge and best practices in biotechnology and biosafety. The program continues to provide a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among farmers and agricultural experts across the region.
Participants eager to revisit the day's discussions or those who missed the live session can access the recorded webinar on CropLife Philippines' Facebook page and YouTube channel, ensuring that essential information is widely disseminated and accessible.
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