BusinessWorld (Philippines) 06/11/2001- Leading scientists in genetics andbiotechnology met at a recent forum held at Linden Suites in OrtigasCenter, Pasig City, and asserted the safety of biotechnology, a statementsaid.The group, composed of scientists, farmers, representatives of consumergroups and the business community, lauded the advantages of usingbiotechnology as a tool for achieving development.The scientists asked the government to formulate a policy framework forthe safe use of biotechnology products in the country and requested forfunding support for biotechnology research.Biotechnology Association of the Philippines, Inc. president Dr. BenignoPeczon, who led the forum discussion, noted the public has been subjectedto misinformation on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms."Modern biotechnology has evoked a lot of fear among the general public,which is totally unfounded. Modern biotechnology research has been goingon for more than 10 years now and yet not one study has proven thatexperimenting on or consuming genetically engineered organisms has beendangerous to human, plant, animal life or to the environment," Mr. Peczonsaid.Instead, he noted the advantages of using modern biotechnology, such asincrease in crop yields which would mean additional income for farmers andfishermen "provided of course that proper marketing support and marketsare given."He said it has helped deal with illness and diseases, such as insulin,which is a product of genetic engineering, has been saving thousands fromdeath and misery from diabetes.As it can and has produced crops that are more pest-and disease-resistant,biotechnology has also reduced the use of chemical pesticides. As we allknow, these chemical pesticides poison our environment, Mr. Peczon said.For her part, Dr. Dolores Ramirez, National Scientist for Genetics andfounding member of the National Committee on Biosafety in the Philippines(NCBP), said "biosafety standards in the Philippines are one of the moststringent in the world. Safety standards are closely monitored to ensureutmost compliance, from laboratory to field testing," she said.She said NCBP overlooks all research and development activities related togenetic engineering as well as the introduction of organisms not found inthe Philippines that may have potential for harm.It also identifies potential hazards and prescribes containment and safetyrequirements during laboratory and field testing.Ms. Ramirez said other government agencies also monitor the field testingof new varieties and breeds. Plant product field testing is monitored bythe Bureau of Plant Industry, while those for animals are monitored by theBureau of Animal Industry.Ms. Ramirez said if genetically modified materials pass all tests, thenthey are ready for commercialization.In other countries, she said, these materials are deregulated and thencommercialized if they pass the tests."The Philippines is stricter because commercialized materials still needto be regulated. Existing safety standards ensure that before anygenetically modified product is distributed to the market, all potentialrisks shall have been managed or eliminated."For her part, Dr. Evelyn Mae Mendoza, program leader of the Plant BiotechProgram of the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, supported Ms.Ramirez's view. "Biotechnology safety issues have always been subjected toscience-based evaluation on case-to-case basis. Risks are always carefullyconsidered, strictly evaluated, and then managed."Mr. Peczon and Misses Ramirez and Mendoza called for the government tosupport the development of the science of biotechnology in thePhilippines.They said the most vital expression of this support is a policy frameworkthat will guide the government in dealing with biotechnology.Budget support for research and development in the area is also a must.The three scientists noted that the administration seems to lack acoherent approach to the biotech issue, with different agencies adoptingdifferent stands.They added despite the promise shown by biotechnology and assurances madeby Filipino scientists, the government is unable to provide enough fundsto encourage growth in the area.