In collaboration with CropLife Asia and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, CropLife Philippines kicked off the 15th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program, a five-day webinar held from October 18 to 22, 2021. The program is designed to educate and empower farmers across Asia by providing them with insights into the latest developments in agricultural biotechnology. Conducted virtually from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM each day, the event attracted participants via Zoom and was also livestreamed, drawing a wide audience. The recorded sessions are available on both the Facebook page and YouTube channel of CropLife Philippines.
The first day of the program, moderated by Sonny Tababa, focused on the "Introduction to Biotechnology." The session began with welcome remarks from Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia, who highlighted the importance of biotechnology in modern agriculture. During the introduction, Sonny Tababa shared Dr. Tan’s notable achievements, including his MSc in Genetic Engineering and PhD in Molecular Biology. Dr. Tan has been recognized with a Silver Award at the 2005 Geneva International Exhibitions and a US Government Cochran Fellowship for biological research, underscoring his significant contributions to the field.
Veronica Tiburcio, President of CropLife Philippines and Country Business Manager of FMC Agro Philippines, delivered a message to the participants, emphasizing the critical role of biotechnology in sustainable farming and food security.
The first speaker, Dr. Rhodora Aldemita, Director of the Southeast Asia Center and the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology of ISAAA, provided an overview of modern biotechnology. She discussed its adoption status and the innovative products in the pipeline, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of biotech advancements.
Following her presentation, a Q&A session was conducted by the moderator, allowing participants to engage with the speakers and clarify their queries.
The second speaker, Dr. Russel Reinke, a Senior Scientist and Rice Breeder at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), shared insights on the "Golden Rice Experience." Dr. Reinke, who has spent his career developing rice varieties, highlighted the potential of biofortified rice in addressing nutritional deficiencies.
The third speaker, Dr. Szabolcs Ruthner, Regulatory Affairs Manager of the International Seed Federation, discussed "New Plant Breeding Innovations." Dr. Ruthner, who holds a PhD in molecular plant breeding, explained the latest techniques and their implications for the future of plant breeding.
The session concluded with an interactive segment where Sonny Tababa announced the distribution of $20 shopping vouchers, adding an exciting incentive for participants. He also delivered the closing remarks, encouraging attendees to return for Day 2 of the program.
The 15th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program continues to be a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among farmers and agricultural experts across the region. The recorded sessions are available online for those unable to attend live, ensuring broad access to this valuable information.
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