Biotechnology can halt malnutrition in PH: DA

MANILA – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar has emphasized the importance of biotechnology to hasten the agency’s goal of achieving food security and addressing malnutrition in the country.

“Biotechnology could be an instrument to halt malnutrition in Filipino children,” Dar said in a message on Monday during the opening of Biotechnology Week, adding that the DA and its affiliate agencies are taking necessary steps to spread correct information about biotechnology.

Dar, who is the recipient of the prestigious Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) Special Award in 2014, believes in the modernized and inclusive agriculture sector.

He has previously mentioned that advancing biotechnology “makes us particularly excited about the future of biotechnology in the Philippines and its enormous benefits to producers in terms of improved productivity and higher incomes, and consumers in terms of quality and affordable food”.

“Our scientists are eager to learn about the intricacies of these new breeding techniques and unleash their full potential to feed the world,” he added.

He recently led the opening of the state-of-the-art Crop Biotechnology Center (CBC) that will develop various plant products to help ensure food security and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture.

This year’s National Biotechnology Week (NBW) celebration, which will run from November 22-26, highlights the crucial role of biotechnology innovations in healing the nation from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

With the theme “Kapit-bisig na Pagtutulungan, Bioteknolohiya Ating Paghusayan!”, physical and virtual exhibits during the celebration aim to focus on the efforts of the government, non-government sectors, and private institutions working together to bring forth milestones and technologies achieved through Philippine biotechnology.

One of the featured Pinoy Agricultural Biotechnologies is the QuickCArE Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus Test Kit developed by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). This rapid, low-cost, pen-side DNA-based test with a high detection rate can be performed in four easy steps without the use of specialized equipment.

The DA has offered public access to the event. For more information on the featured biotechnology products, register via this link: https://bit.ly/RegistrationVirtualTechnoForumOnAgBiotech.