Challenges in conducting transgenic R&D in developing countries: the Philippine experience

Abstract

The Philippines is the first Asian country to establish a biosafety regulatory system in 1990 and to commercialize a genetically modified (GM) food crop (Bt corn) in 2003. After ten years, GM corn (insect-protected or Bt, herbicide tolerant or HT and stacked with both traits) is planted to more than 800,000 ha. However, the success that GM corn enjoys in the country has not yet been transferred to the home-grown GM or transgenic crops. Presently, four GM crops: Bt cotton, Bt eggplant, Golden Rice and long shelf-life papaya are being field tested in The Philippines. Among the challenges confronting the conduct of RD (b) funding constraints; (c) strict regulation; and (d) acceptance and activism. We have addressed these challenges in various ways. Lack of technology and know-how is addressed by technology acquisition as well as extensive training of personnel. Funds for projects come from government agencies (Philippines' Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Agriculture) and international funding agencies. Modern biotech products are regulated under the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (EO 490) of 1990 and the National Biosafety Framework (EO 514) of 2006 and regulation is widely perceived by researchers as strict and very slow. However, it is also the strict and science-based regulation, which has allowed the commercialization of Bt corn. Lastly, similar to the experience in other countries, strong and persistent anti-biotech groups exist in The Philippines. To address this, continuous dissemination of science-based information is undertaken by both public and private agencies for better understanding and appreciation of modern biotechnology by the general public and all concerned sectors.