BPI Biotechnology Office conducts orientation for new STRP members

The Bureau of Plant Industry-Biotechnology Office in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office conducted an online orientation for new and prospective members of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) last August 19, 2021.

The virtual orientation was attended by 28 new STRP members from different academic and research institutions with expertise in genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology, biochemistry, crop protection, entomology, plant pathology, animal science, food science, crop science, and ecology.

As part of its mandate in the DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular No. 1, Series of 2016 (JDC No. 1, S2016), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) is directed to create a Scientific Technical Review Panel (STRP) which is composed of pool of non-DA scientists tasked to evaluate the potential risks of regulated articles to human and animal health, and the environment. The said orientation was organized to equip the new STRP members with proper knowledge on the risk assessment procedure and regulatory protocols of BPI.

During the orientation, Mr. Ariel Bayot, BPI Assistant Director for Regulatory Services, welcomed the attendees with a heartwarming message. For the morning session, Dr. Peter Magdaraog, Head of the BPI Biotechnology Office presented the biosafety regulations in the Philippines, followed by the discussion of the administrative matters related to JDC No. 1, S2016 by Ms. Sherilynne Leoncio, Agricultural Technician II and Head Admin of the BPI Biotechnology Office.

Meanwhile, two esteemed speakers were invited to discuss the government regulatory policies and risk assessment procedure. Dr. Abraham Manalo, Executive Assistant of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines presented the status of GM application and ease of doing business act of 2018, while Dr. Genaleen Diaz, a Professor from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and BPI Biotechnology Office Consultant lectured on the risk assessment procedure and shared her personal experience being an STRP. An open forum was also held during the morning and afternoon sessions to cater the STRPs’ comments and queries regarding the presentations.

The participants extended their gratitude towards the organizers for a productive and informative orientation. The event was organized by the Biotechnology Secretariat Team headed by Ms. Sheeb Kaiserin Quiaonza and hosted by Ms. Paulyne Nathalie Ordillo.