Phl celebrates biotech week

MANILA, Philippines — The country recently celebrated the 13th National Biotechnology Week (NBW), highlighting the significant role of biotechnology and how it contributes to food security, health services and a safer environment.

With the theme “Lamang ang Masa at Magsasaka sa Limang K ng Bioteknolohiya,” the event was held from Nov. 20-24 at the Fisher Mall Expo Hall in Quezon City and included a series of discussions at Brentwood Suites in Diliman, Quezon City.

Among the seminars were fora organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development; a forum on the latest development in cardiovascular diseases by DOST’s Philippine Council Health Research and Development; and a science journalism workshop on the benefits of biotechnology spearheaded by DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute and PCHRD.

The DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines also organized a forum titled “Biotechnology for Food Safety Innovations” along with related talks on best practices and experiences in using biotechnology tools among experts, researchers and students.

Career talks for high school students were held by the Philippine Science High School system while film showings were conducted by the Science Education Institute.

Aristotle Carandang, DOST communications officer, said there is a need to make the public better appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.

“We can communicate this science through a variety of platforms such as print, broadcast or social media. But we also need to consider other factors such as our readers’ age and interest when planning to communicate biotechnology issues,” he said.

Ruby Shaira Panela, panel speaker, stressed the “need to humanize science stories since it is generally a technical topic, make it part of popular culture.”