The DA-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) featured modern biotechnology studies and products during the 18th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) fair at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City on Nov. 21-25.
In addition to samples of traditional rice varieties from the Institute’s genebank, DA-CBC promoted technologies from the DA-PhilRice, including Golden Rice, red mold rice, and rice bran oil.
With the theme “Responding to Challenges: Business Opportunities in Biotechnology,” the activity hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) intended to spur and encourage business opportunities in biotechnology to strengthen the supply chain, increase producer and business player competitiveness, and boost national economic growth.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the importance of contemporary biotechnology for economic transformation and recovery.
“Recently, the Philippines earned the badge of regional biotechnology leader with the passage in 2021 of Golden Rice for commercial propagation and Bt Eggplant for direct use,” Pascual said.
Recent developments in agricultural biotechnology such as Bt Eggplant and Golden Rice were also acknowledged by Sec. Pascual.
The celebration “Unang Ani ng Golden Rice: Isang Pasasalamat” was held to drumbeat the success of its first farm-level production throughout the nation. The Department of Agriculture will lead next year’s celebration.
