History - Biotechnology Philippines

2021

DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular No.1 s2021

March 23, 2021

Currently, JDC no. 1 s2021 is the implementing policy on applications for biosafety permits for field trial, direct use, and commercial propagation. The JDC No. 1 s2021 remained to be science-based, risk proportionate, time-bound, and consistent with international guidelines for biosafety while providing for a more shortened and streamlined process in handling applications of genetically modified (GM) crops. Transparency and public participation remain to be an essential aspect of the Circular ensuring the public’s accessibility and awareness.

2016

DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular (JDC) No.1 s2016

April 15, 2016

In response to the nullification of DA AO8, the Technical Working Group composed of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Science and Technology (DOST), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Health (DOH), and Interior and Local Government (DILG) drafted the Joint Department Circular No. 1, Series of 2016 (JDC No.1, S2016) titled 'Rules and Regulations for the Research and Development, Handling and Use, Transboundary Movement, Release into the Environment, and Management of Genetically-Modified Plant and Plant Products Derived from the Use of Modern Biotechnology'. There were series of meeting and five public consultations conducted before the JDC No.1, S2016 was approved and signed by the Secretaries of the abovementioned agencies on March 7, 2016 and took effect on April 15, 2016. Under this Circular, more government agencies were involved such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to regulate applications for contained use and confined test of regulated articles; Department of Agriculture (DA) to evaluate applications for field trial, commercial propagation and transboundary movement of regulated articles; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to evaluate environmental risks and impacts of regulated articles; Department of Health (DOH) to evaluate of environmental health impacts of regulated articles; and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to supervise public consultation during field trial.

2015

Nullification of DA AO No. 8 s2002

On December 8, 2015, the Philippine Supreme Court declared DA AO8 null and void and any application for contained use, field testing, propagation and commercialization, and importation of GMOs was temporarily enjoined.

2006

Executive Order No. 514

March 17, 2006

On March 17, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No.514 titled, “Establishing the National Biosafety Framework, prescribing guidelines for its implementation, reorganizing the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines, and for other purposes”.

2002

DA Administrative Order No. 8, Series of 2002

April 3, 2002

On April 3, 2002, Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8, Series of 2002 titled, “Rules and Regulations for the Importation and release into the Environment of Plants and Plant Products Derived from the use of Modern Biotechnology” was issued implementing the guidelines for importation and release into the environment of Plants and Plant Products Derived from the Use of Modern Biotechnology. This policy served as the guideline in the processing of approval of regulated articles for contained use, field testing, propagation and for direct use.

2001

Policy Statement on Modern Biotechnology

July 16, 2001

On July 16, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued the Policy Statement on Modern Biotechnology, reiterating the government policy on promoting the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and ensuring that modern biotechnology will provide farmers and fisherfolks the opportunity to increase their overall productivity and income.

1990

Executive Order No. 430

The Philippines is the first ASEAN country to initiate a biotechnology regulatory. On October 15, 1990, recognizing the potential for modern biotechnology both in improving the lives of the people and in creating hazards if not handled properly, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order 430 creating the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) that will formulate, review and amend national policy on biosafety and formulate guidelines on the conduct of activities on genetic engineering. The NCBP is comprised of representative of the Departments of Agriculture (DA); Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Health (DOH); and Science and Technology (DOST), 4 scientists in biology, environmental science, social science and physical science; and 2 respected members of the community.The countries biosafety regulatory system follows strict scientific standards and has become a model for member-countries of the ASEAN seeking to become producers of agricultural biotechnology crops.

1987

Development of Biosafety Protocols and Guidelines for UPLB and IRRI Scientists and Researchers

The Quarantine Officer of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Director for Crops of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), recognizing the potential harm of the introduction of exotic species and genetic engineering, formed a committee and formulated the biosafety protocols and guidelines for genetic engineering and related research activities for UPLB and IRRI researchers. The committee went on to draft a Philippine biosafety policy, which was submitted to the Office of the President.

On October 15, 1990, recognizing the potential for modern biotechnology both in improving the lives of the people and in creating hazards if not handled properly, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order 430 creating the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) that will formulate, review and amend national policy on biosafety and formulate guidelines on the conduct of activities on genetic engineering. The NCBP is comprised of representative of the Departments of Agriculture (DA); Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Health (DOH); and Science and Technology (DOST), 4 scientists in biology, environmental science, social science and physical science; and 2 respected members of the community.