Dr. Zagado urges the staff to learn and share information about the rice variety to the public.
Golden Rice is now safe for public consumption. DA-PhilRice and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are now drawing up plans to “deploy” this rice variety in the regions.
DA-PhilRice Agusan will oversee seed production of Golden Rice and development of pilot-scale strategies in Regions 10 and Caraga.
Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, Golden Rice Program leader, assured Agusan branch staff during a technical briefing on May 19, the rice is safe for consumption just like all other rice varieties.
Golden Rice is a product of biotechnology, a tool used to infuse beta-carotene into rice. Former DA-PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco said, “Biotechnology for agriculture, whether using conventional or modern tools, has a major role to play in making sure that there is enough food. It will be in the interest of our people to continue support for science and research for development. After all, this is for the public good.” In developing Golden Rice in the 1980s, Professor Emeritus Ingo Potrykus at the Institute of Plant Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland and his research group applied gene technology in order to contribute to sustained food security and reduce malnutrition in developing countries, especially among pregnant women and children who suffer from Vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
Golden Rice in the Philippines is now registered as NSIC 2022 Rc 68 2GR2E (Malusog 1) with the National Seed Industry Council. Biosafety assessments done by regulatory bodies in five countries, including the Philippines, found Golden Rice safe to plant and eat.
