National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines

[2]

National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines

The National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) was created by virtue of Executive Order

No. 430 on 15 October 1990, primarily tasked to identify and evaluate the potential effects involved in the use of

genetically engineered organisms and introduction of new species, recommend measures to minimize risks,

formulate and review national policies and guidelines on biosafety and risk assessment of work on genetic

engineering and supervise its implementation.

The mandate of the NCBP was strengthened with the issuance of Executive Order No. 514 (EO 514) on

17 March 2006, expanding the membership to include other Departments and stakeholders as well as the

scope of risk assessment to include not only GM crops but other forms of GMOs as well.

The NCBP is the lead body that coordinates and harmonizes inter-agency and multi-sector efforts to develop

biosafety policies in the country and set scientific, technical and procedural standards on actions by agencies

and other sectors to promote biosafety in the Philippines.

Biosafety Policy

a) Assist concerned departments and agencies in formulating, reviewing, or amending their

respective policies, measures and guidelines on biosafety;

b) Hold public deliberations on proposed national policies, guidelines, and other biosafety issues;

c) Provide assistance in the formulation, amendment of pertinent laws, rules and regulations;

d) In coordination with concerned departments and agencies and consistent with the

requirements of transparency and public participation, shall take the lead in periodically

reviewing the National Biosafety Framework (NBF);

e) Issue detailed guidelines on the conduct of socio-economic impact evaluation of biosafety

decisions; and,

f) Propose to Congress necessary and appropriate legislation.

Accountability

a) Monitor the implementation of the NBF by concerned departments and agencies;

b) Ensure coordination among Competent National Authorities that have shared mandates.

Scientific

a) Facilitate the study and evaluation of biosafety research and control and minimize the

concomitant risks and hazards associated with the deliberate release of regulated articles into

the environment;

b) Identify and evaluate potential hazards involved in modern biotechnological experiments or the

introduction of regulated articles and recommend measures to minimize risks;

c) Recommend the development and promotion of research programs to establish risk

assessment protocols and assessment of long-term environmental effects of regulated articles;

Mandate of the NCBP

Functions of the NCBP

[3]

d) Develop working arrangements with the government quarantine services and institutions in the

evaluation, monitoring, and review of projects vis-à-vis adherence to national policies and

guidelines on biosafety;

e) Review and develop guidelines in the risk assessment of regulated articles for contained use;

f) Assist other agencies in developing risk assessment guidelines and procedures of regulated

articles for field trials and commercial release;

g) Review the appointment of the members of the Institutional Biosafety Committees created by

institutions engaged in activities involving regulated articles, upon recommendation by their

respective heads of institutions;

h) Publish the results of internal deliberations and agency reviews of the NCBP; and

i) Hold discussions on the comparative ecological, economic and social impacts of alternative

approaches to attain the purposes/objectives of the proposed genetic modification products

and/or services; and

j) Perform such functions as ay be requested by concerned departments and agencies.

Capability Building

a) Assist in the development of technical expertise, facilities, and other resources for quarantine

services and risk assessments; and

b) Take the lead in developing and implementing a national capacity-building program for

biosafety.

Review of Biosafety Guidelines

Public Consultations on the Manual on Biosafety Decision–Making Process under E.O. 514

As agreed upon during the NCBP meeting held on 06 December 2011, a series of public consultations were

held nationwide to present the draft “Manual on Biosafety Decision-Making Process under E.O. 514” and

generate comments and recommendations prior to its finalization and implementation. The Manual contains

the guidelines of the four CNAs for contained use; field testing; commercialization and use of GMOs for food

feed and processing; deregulation; and proposed joint Administrative Order of DA and DENR on

environmental risk assessment and DA and DOH on food safety assessment. Furthermore, the guidelines

cover risk assessment not only of agricultural crops but of other GMOs as well under the purview of the

respective CNAs.

Concerned stakeholders from the academe, the public and private research institutions, the four Competent

National Authorities (CNAs), the non-government civic organizations and the local government units (LGUs)

participated in the four consultations that were held on 16 January, 31 January, 16 February and 15 March

2012 at DOST, Taguig City, DA, Quezon City, Davao City and Cebu City respectively.

The draft Manual was a product of the joint efforts of the Technical Working Group, members of which were

the duly designated representatives of the NCBP member departments. Should it merit the approval of the

Secretaries of the four CNAs (i.e. Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Health

Functions of the NCBP

Accomplishments of the NCBP

[4]

and Science and Technology), the Manual shall serve as the mother document in the conduct of all activities

on LMOs and shall harmonize all existing guidelines of the concerned departments on biosafety regulation,

thereby creating a seamless regulatory process. The comments and recommendations that have been

generated in the consultations have already been consolidated by the Secretariat and shall subsequently be

elevated to the NCBP as part of the agenda of its next meeting. Efforts are ongoing among the DA, DENR and

DOH regarding the joint guidelines on environmental risk assessment and food safety assessment,

respectively.

Philippine Obligations to the Cartagena Protocol

The Philippines, as Party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, has to fulfill its obligations in implementing the

provisions of the Protocol. Among which are the following:

Participation in online conferences on biosafety regulation and public participation, Guidance Document

on the Risk Assessment of LMOs and Socio-Economic Considerations on GMOs;

Review of pertinent laws in preparation of the draft guidelines on the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur

Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress

Provision of technical assistance and continuous coordination with the concerned government agencies

involved in the biosafety regulation of GMOs.

Attendance to the Conference of the Parties serving as Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

(COP/MOP) to negotiate the Philippine position on the outstanding and substantive issues taking into

account the national interest.

Maintain and ensure the 24/7 operation of the Biosafety Clearing House

The Biosafety Clearing-House Pilipinas

The Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) was established under Article 11 of the Protocol and is meant to serve as

a platform for the exchange of information on LMOs among countries and assist Parties to better comply with

their obligations under the Protocol.

The BCH Pilipinas, launched in 2008, is hosted by the DOST and maintained by the NCBP Secretariat. The

BCH Pilipinas website contains the pertinent laws and guidelines on biosafety and country decisions/approvals

for environmental release, propagation and importation for food, feed and processing of LMOs. The site is

regularly updated to reflect new decisions/issuances and recent developments.


[5]

7th Meeting of the Informal Advisory Committee on the Biosafety Clearinghouse

The following items were discussed: (i) Developments in the Biosafety Clearing House; (ii) Outcomes of the

conclusions and recommendations of the sixth meeting of the BCH-IAC; (iii) Collaboration with the UNEP-GEF

project for continued enhancement of building capacity for effective participation in the Biosafety Clearing

House (BCH-II, 2010-2012); and (iv) Cooperation with international organizations regarding the provision of

information on living modified organisms.

The meeting was concluded with a number of recommendations, principal among which were i) Push for the

implementation of additional mechanisms and strategies geared towards the further enhancement of the BCH;

ii) Urge Parties to carry on with their initiative to fully complete their country records; and iii) Continue promoting

the use of the BCH in national and international fora to increase its effectiveness. The said recommendations

were submitted to the Conference of the Parties serving as Meeting of the Parties (COP/MOP6) in India last

October 2012.

To date, the country has issued a total of 70 approvals

for the propagation and direct use as food, feed and for

processing of LMOs (i.e. 34 single events and 28

stacked events for direct use as food, feed and for

processing; 5 single and 3 stacked events for

propagation). For 2013, the Secretariat shall endeavor

to upload the decisions on environmental release and

field trials carried out by both the then NCBP and the

BPI-DA from 1999 up to the present.

The Biosafety Clearing-House Informal Advisory

Committee (BCH-IAC) was constituted with a

particular focus on providing guidance with respect to

the resolution of technical issues associated with the

ongoing development of the Biosafety Clearing

House.

During the 7th Informal Advisory Meeting on the BCH

held on 8-30 March 2012 at Montreal, Canada, the

National Focal Point of the BCH Pilipinas served as

Chairperson of the meeting.


[6]

Second and Third Training Workshops on the Use of the Biosafety Clearing-House

The Philippines was among the 53 recipient countries of the UNEP-GEF grant for the BCH II project which aims

to further capacitate the stakeholders in using the BCH Central Portal. Two “Training Workshops on the Use of

the Biosafety Clearing-House” were conducted on 5-9 March and 24-25 April 2012 at the Computational

Science Research Center (CSRC) in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Participants came from the academe, public research institutions, plant quarantine and S&T information

institute of the various government offices. The workshop’s primary objectives were to provide a clear

understanding on the format of BCH records and emphasize the utility of the BCH as a tool for accessing

valuable information pertaining to existing regulations and approvals of LMOs not only in the country but among

other Parties as well.

The Workshops were able to meet its objectives and likewise provided the venue for raising concerns and

generating recommendations for further enhancement of the BCH as a mechanism for the exchange of

information on Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).

Training Workshop for BCH National Focal Points

A two-day training workshop for the BCH National Focal Points (NFPs) was conducted by the United Nations

Environment Program in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in

Hyderabad, India on 28-29 September 2012. The objectives of the Workshop were to provide a venue for the

exchange of experiences among Parties on the uploading of information and maintenance of the BCH,

strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation on the BCH as well as review compliance on BCH obligations

under the Cartagena Protocol.

The Workshop gave an in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by countries in the submission of BCH

information and recommendations on how these can be addressed. The workshop was successful in delivering

the objectives and the participants were highly appreciative on the utilization of practical approaches and

interactive methods for the delivery of the workshop.


[7]

Multi-Stakeholder’s Consultation in Preparation for the Drafting of the Country Position for COP-MOP 6 In compliance with our obligations as Party to the Cartagena Protocol, the Philippines is strongly recommended

to participate in activities and functions organized by the Convention on Biological Diversity most especially the

COP-MOP meetings. COP-MOP meetings provide the venue for Parties to articulate their stance on

substantive issues governing the transboundary movement of LMOs. In order to come up with its position, the

Philippines carried out two consultations on 22 August and 03 September 2012 at the National Engineering

Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The NCBP through the DOST Biosafety Committee spearheaded the

conduct of the consultations.

Comments from the stakeholders comprising of the academe, technology developers, the four CNAs, other

government agencies and non-government organizations were consolidated and evaluated for possible

inclusion in the draft position.

The official country position was articulated by the Philippine delegation during the COP/MOP6 meeting in

Hyderabad, India on 1-5 October 2012.

6th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP-MOP/6)

The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity serving as the

Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP-MOP/6) was held in Hyderabad, India on

1-5 October 2012.

The Philippine delegation was composed of its head, Prof. Fortunato T. de la Peña, Undersecretary for S&T

Services, Department of Science and Technology and the other members namely Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora of the

National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB BIOTECH), Ms. Amparo C. Ampil of the Policy

Advocacy and Legislative Support Division, Department of Agriculture (PALSD-DA), Ms. Merle B. Palacpac of

the Post-Entry Quarantine Station, BPI-DA, Dr. Flerida A. Cariño of UP Diliman, and Ms. Julieta Fe L. Estacio

of the NCBP Secretariat.

The meeting addressed a number of key issues relating to the Protocol’s implementation and adopted

16 decisions on: compliance; the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress;

subsidiary bodies; cooperation with other organizations, conventions and initiatives; the Biosafety Clearing-

House (BCH); capacity building; the roster of experts; monitoring and reporting; assessment and review;

notification requirements; handling, transport, packaging and identification (HTPI) of living modified organisms

(LMOs); unintentional transboundary movements of LMOs; financial mechanism and resources; socio-

economic considerations; risk assessment and risk management; and the budget to sustain the operations of

the CPB.


[8]

The Delegation was successful in articulating the country’s position. It pushed for the further review of the

“Guidance Document on the Risk Assessment of LMOs” prior to its adoption, the further enhancement of the

BCH through the utilization of more cost-effective mechanisms such as online training modules, the crafting of a

separate set of regulations on the exportation of LMOs, the comprehensive review of the action plan and the

drafting of international standards that will be used in dealing with socio-economic impacts of LMOs.

Visit of Bhutan regulators

The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) visited the country on 3-5 December 2012 to

enhance their knowledge and learn from the Philippines’ experience in setting up, administering and sustaining

the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). The visit focused on activities to strengthen BAFRA’s institutional and

technical capacity to better respond to the requirements of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Aside from technical assistance in setting up a clearing-house mechanism, the BCH Pilipinas also provided an

overview on the country’s existing biosafety regulatory framework and facilitated the visit of the BAFRA

delegates in the country’s existing structures like the GM Detection Laboratory of the Bureau of Plant Industry

(BPI); the database of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and

Development (PCAARRD); and the projects handled by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on

transgenic rice and GM Jatropha by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) in the University of the Philippines Los

Baños (UPLB).

This effort of both countries is directed to reinforcing international cooperation and fostering of collaborations

between stakeholders to achieve the common goal of ensuring safe transfer, handling and use of genetically-

modified organisms (GMOs).


[9]

The DOST-Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC) was created in 2009 to serve as the technical group to support the

programs and activities of the NCBP. As mandated in Executive Order No. 514, the DOST-BC shall take lead in

ensuring that the best available science is utilized and applied in adopting biosafety policies, measures and

guidelines and in making biosafety decisions. Moreover, the DOST-BC shall also take the lead in the evaluation

and monitoring of regulated articles intended for contained use.

Mandate of the DOST Biosafety Committee

DOST-BC Meetings From 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2012, the DOST-Biosafety Committee (DOST-BC) has met 11 times to

carry out its functions being the technical arm of the NCBP.

Risk Assessment (Review and approval of proposals) The DOST-BC risk assessment of project proposals on contained use of genetically modified organisms

(GMOs). The following were the project proposals approved during the report period:

1. Confined Field Trial on Evaluation of IR64 Transgenic Lines for Drought Tolerance III (IRRI)

2. Cloning and expression of the Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1 block 2 gene and biochemical

characterization of its gene product (UP Diliman)

3. Cloning and Expression of Raw Starch Digesting-Amylase Genes from Saccharomycopsis fibuligeria and

Saccharomycopsis bubodii for Direct Ethanol Fermentation (UP Mindanao)

4. Biotechnology-Assisted Development of Virus-Resistant Varieties and Populations of Squash for Climate

Change Adaptation (UP Los Baños)

5. Genetic Diversity of the Philippine Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV-P) and Development of Infectious cDNA

Clone for ToLCV Resistance Screening in Tomato (UP Los Baños)

See Annex A

Review and approval of the composition of Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) One of the elements in the functional biosafety regulatory system is the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

An IBC must be established in every organization, public or private, that intends to do work with Genetically

Modified Organisms (GMO). An IBC is composed of five (5) members; at least three (3) are technical persons

who are affiliated with the institution and at least two (2) members shall come from the community

where the experiment will be carried out. The IBC serves as the vital link between the DOST-BC and the

proponent. The IBC reviews and endorses the proposal to the DOST-BC and monitors the implementation of

approved aspects in terms of compliance with the biosafety measures imposed for the said activity.

For the aforementioned report period, the DOST-BC approved the reconstitution of the following IBCs:

1) Philippine Rice Research Institute

2) Syngenta Philippines, Inc.

See Annex B

Accomplishments of the DOST-BC

[10]

Validation and inspection of facilities for GMO experiments under contained use and monitoring and documentation of activities of ongoing projects

The DOST-Biosafety Committee oversees the safe and responsible implementation of approved projects on

GMOs under contained use by ensuring that the biosafety guidelines and regulations prescribed by the

Committee are strictly adhered to by the proponents. Implementation and monitoring of these projects are done

in coordination with the IBCs and plant quarantine personnel of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

International Rice Research Institute

Evaluation of insertion lines of rice from Taiwan, Korea and Japan under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness Evaluation of tDNA insertion lines of rice from Colombia, Australia and France under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness

Field plowing and termination 20 January 2012

The monitoring team composed of the DOST-BC Secretariat and PEQS-BPI personnel supervised the plowing

of the confined test site. The team ensured that the following material management measures were strictly

adhered to: i) a space must be provided within the test site for dispersal of plant materials; ii) the proponent

shall flood the site to induce the germination of remaining rice seeds; iii) the test site shall be left fallow for at

least 30 days and closely monitored at two-week intervals for the emergence of volunteer rice plants and

prevalence of diseases and pests; iii) all volunteer plants will be uprooted and buried in the designated pit

located within the test site; iv) the site shall be locked and only authorized personnel shall be allowed to enter

the site during the period.

[11]

Post-harvest monitoring 28 September 2012 The DOST-BC together with the BPI-PEQS personnel, IRRI-IBC members, proponent and staff from the IRRI

Seed Health Unit were present for the monitoring of the confined test site after being flooded and plowed last

7 and 24 August 2012, immediately after project completion. The group noted 5% volunteer emergence in the

field. The surrounding plots were likewise flooded to prevent the growth of volunteer rice plants and nets were

installed for the duration of the activity to prevent birds from consuming the rice grains. The group

recommended that the field be harrowed after 3-4 days to ensure that no volunteer plants will remain.


Evaluation of Candidate Genes for Heat and Drought Tolerance in Rice

Revalidation of IBC Report on the inspection of growth chamber facilities and transfer of experimental plant materials from CL4 screenhouse to the growth chambers 28 September 2012 An enclosed area inside the growth chamber facilities of IRRI was designated exclusively for the project. The

area, which the DOST-BC monitoring team deemed appropriate for the experiment, was kept under lock and

with proper signage. Per recommendation of the IRRI-IBC, ventilation pipes of the growth chambers were fitted

with filters to prevent pollen flow.

The supervision of the DOST-BC was necessary as it would involve the transfer of transgenic rice plants from

the CL4 screenhouse to the approved growth chamber facilities. Prior to the transfer, the team recommended

for the potted rice plants to be secured with plastic bags underneath and the flowers be bagged before loading

into the vehicle to prevent accidental release and spread of pollen and immature rice grains.

[12]


Confined Field Trial on Evaluation of IR64 Transgenic Lines for Drought Tolerance III

Site inspection

22 February 2012 During the inspection, the DOST-BC monitoring team ensured that the following biosafety measures were

complied with by the proponent i) posting of Project Information Sheet at least two weeks before the

transplanting activity; ii) observance of physical and temporal isolation measures (i.e. either the proposed test

site is at least 150 meters away from other rice plants being grown in the area or the flowering and reproductive

stages of the rice plants in the nearby plots will not be in sync with those that will be planted in the test site); iii)

observance of appropriate confinement measures (i.e. facility properly fenced and kept locked at all times to

prevent intrusion of stray animals and unauthorized personnel). The team also ascertained that the confined

test site is free of volunteer rice plants prior to transplanting and noted the dominant weeds that were thriving in

the site. After having assured that all the aforementioned measures are in place, the team approved the use of

the proposed test site.

Monitoring and documentation of transplanting

29 February 2012

The DOST-BC team with the assistance of the BPI-PEQS personnel and the IRRI-IBC members monitored the

activity to ensure that all the biosafety measures are strictly followed. The team requested the proponent and

project personnel to uproot the weeds from the plots prior to transplanting after having observed that the test

site has not been properly tilled/prepared. The monitoring team also supervised the transfer of additional rice

seedlings from the screenhouse to the confined test site. Since it would not be possible to finish the

transplanting within the day, the DOST-BC monitoring team requested Ms. Patria Gonzales of the IRRI Seed

Health Unit to oversee the activity until its completion.

[13]

Monitoring of reproductive stage 8 May 2012

The DOST-BC team monitored the experimental rice plants three months after sowing and observed moderate

tungro infestation in one of the plots. The group also noticed that the rice plants had unfilled grains (most likely

due to severe water stress) and that some of the plants have already reached maturity and are ready to be

harvested. To prevent consumption by birds and spread of viable transgenic materials, the team recommended

the hiring of bird boys and the immediate harvesting of all the mature plants.

The

Post-harvesting monitoring

28 September 2012 Almost three months after the staggered harvesting, the DOST-BC team visited the confined test site and

observed the presence of many volunteer plants despite having previously plowed the site twice. Consequently,

the PEQS-BPI recommended the site to be plowed to get rid of the remaining volunteer rice plants. PEQS-BPI

personnel shall return 2-3 weeks after the site has been plowed to observe and decide as to whether the

project can be officially terminated. The confined test site shall remain locked at all times and only authorized

personnel shall be allowed access to the facility.

[14]


Confined Field Trial of Iron Biofortified Transgenic Rice

Heading and flowering stage

20 January 2012 Two months since the transplanting, the DOST-BC monitoring team returned to the confined test site to monitor

the experimental rice plants and observe the prevalence of disease and pest infestations. The team noted that

the plants have already flowered and were in perfectly healthy condition. After a brief discussion regarding the

succeeding project activities, the team reminded the proponent to secure the area at all times and adhere to the

prescribed biosafety conditions stipulated in the project approval letter.

Monitoring of Mature Rice Plants 22 February 2012 The DOST-BC monitoring team noted that the IR64 and IR69428 rice events were maturing at different rates

and that some have only reached flowering/vegetative stage while some were almost ready to be harvested.

Said difference was attributed to the event-specific life cycle and rate of maturity of rice – 110-115 days for IR64

and 130 days for IR69428. The group also observed that the Cesbania and Zea mays planted at the border of

the test site to serve as pollen traps and to ward off rodents have densely grown and were effectively protecting

the experimental plants. Since some of the plants have already reached maturity, the monitoring team

recommended that bird boys be stationed in the site to prevent birds from consuming the rice grains.

[15]

Monitoring and documentation of harvest 20 March 2012 During the harvest of the IR64 lead events, the border plants were removed first so as not to interfere with the

reaping of the transgenic rice plants. The DOST-BC team ensured that an area within the test site was allotted

for the disposal of plant materials. Only authorized personnel were allowed to enter the facility to take part in

the activity. Utmost care was observed in the harvesting of the rice plants and the needed grains were collected

and properly labeled for succeeding trials. Since the harvesting will continue for three days, the PEQS-BPI

personnel were requested to monitor the remaining days of the activity. The other rice event, IR69428, has

barely reached maturity and will only be harvested after 2-3 weeks. IRRI is set to conduct further trials in order

to reach the target iron content of 13-14ppm in the rice grains.

Post-harvest Monitoring 08 May 2012 The DOST-BC monitoring team still observed a few rice seedlings and thus recommended the fourth and last

plowing of the site in order to ensure that no volunteer plant will remain. Dominant weeds noted in the site were

Cyperus, Commelina and Fimbristylis. The team requested the project personnel to come up with a list of the

dominant weed species in the site and compare it with the dominant weeds that were observed during the site

inspection last 11 November 2011 prior to the conduct of the project.

[16]

Syngenta Philippines Inc.

Screenhouse Trial on Conversion of Regulated Event MIR162 into the Syngenta Developed Lines

Inspection of the screenhouse facilities 22 January 2012 The DOST-BC monitoring team inspected the proposed screenhouse facility for the project on the basis of its

appropriateness/suitability and compliance with the guidelines prescribed by the DOST-BC. The Committee

made the following recommendations prior to the initiation of the project: i) placing of foot bath at the entrance

of the screenhouse; ii) installation of sink; iii) removal of corn plants adjacent to the screenhouse facility as

these may become a source of pests and diseases; iv) filling of gaps on the screenhouse doors/hinges; and iv)

observance of insect control measures (application of insecticide along the periphery of the screenhouse or

construction of moat)

Manual pollination of experimental corn plants

21 October 2012 The DOST-BC monitoring team visited the Sygenta screenhouse facility at the Sygenta Research Station to

supervise the manual pollination of the transgenic MIR 162 corn plants. During the monitoring, the team noted

the biosafety measures that were complied with: two foot baths, double entry doors with lock and provision of

log book for entry and exit of personnel involved in the study. Carabao grass was also planted around the

screenhouse to prevent soil erosion and GI sheets 30 cm in height were placed around the facility to prevent

entry of rodents. Proper procedures were observed in the transport of pollen from the collection site to the

screenhouse and in the actual pollination of corn plants. After manually pollinating the experimental corn plants,

the excess pollen collected were buried inside the screenhouse together with the brown bags which served as

pollen containers.

High population of mites was observed in the corn plants, resulting in stunted growth and shriveled and

yellowing of leaves. This concern was being addressed by swabbing the leaves with moist cotton. The team

recommended to the proponent to continue this practice to minimize mite population.

See Annex C

[17]

Information dissemination and awareness activities The DOST-BC efficiently carries out its responsibility of providing relevant information on the existing biosafety

guidelines and on biotechnology initiatives in the country by acting as resource speakers to various functions

organized by concerned stakeholders.

Meeting with US Embassy Officials on the Outcome of COP-MOP 6

DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, 6 December 2012

2012 National Biotechnology Week

Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City, 26-30 November 2012

Seminar on Agricultural Biotechnology for DA Public Information Officers

Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City, 8-10 November 2012

Stakeholders’ Interface on Genetically Modified Organisms

Traders Hotel, Manila, 27 September 2012

Visit of Japanese Personnel from the Mitsubishi Research Institute to discuss the Philippine developments on the implementation of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol Liability and Redress Department of Agriculture, Quezon City, 20 September 2012

34th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (Exhibitor)

Manila Hotel, 12 July 2012

Training on Food Safety Assessment of GM Food Crops

Makiling Highlands Resort, Calamba, Laguna, 22-25 May 2012

Capacity Building on Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of Genetically Modified Organisms ERDB, Los Baños, Laguna, March 1-2, 2012

See Annex D

Capacity Building

The DOST-Biosafety Committee conducts and participates in various capacity-building activities to continuously

update and further enhance the competence of its members and Secretariat in the areas of risk assessment,

policy formulation and biosafety regulation.

12th International Symposium on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms

Millennium Hotel, Missouri, USA, 16-20 September 2012

BCP 10th year Anniversary Convention: Biotech for All Seasons and for All Seasons

Traders Hotel Manila, 17-18 May 2012

Seminar on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops

Hyatt Hotel, Manila, February 8, 2012

See Annex D

[18]

Review and development of risk assessment guidelines

Maintenance of the NCBP and DOST-BC websites

The NCBP and DOST-BC websites are constantly being updated to reflect new information on biotechnology

and the biosafety regulation in the country. These websites contain the composition of the DOST-BC and the

IBCs under its supervision, the list of all approved proposals under contained use (laboratory, screenhouse,

glasshouse, confined field trials) as well as the application process and evaluation procedure for proposals

involving GMOs under containment.

The DOST-BC conducted a Workshop on

4-6 November 2012 at the Ecosystems Research and

Development Bureau (ERDB), Los Baños, Laguna to come

up with an initial draft of the risk assessment guidelines on

genetically modified mosquito under contained use taking

into account the recent developments in the area of

biosafety. The activity was an offshoot to an earlier

dialogue of DOST-BC with Oxitec, a British biotech

company, who signified plans of submitting a proposal and

undertaking a contained trial on GM mosquito in the

country.

Genetically engineered mosquito is currently being considered as a potential

component of an integrated vector management strategy to curb the incidence

of dengue in many countries. The Committee targets the first quarter of 2013

for the finalization of the guidelines on GM mosquito.

[19]

Fortunato T. de La Peña

Undersecretary for S & T Services, DOST Chairman

Dr. Dolores A. Ramirez

Professor Emeritus, IPB-UPLB Biological Scientist

Dr. Flerida A. Cariño Professor, UP Diliman

Physical Scientist

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya Executive Director, DOST-PCHRD

Health Scientist

Dr. Vangeline K. Parami Head, Licensing Review and Evaluation Section-PNRI

Environmental Scientist

Dr. Clarito M. Barron Director, DA-BPI

DA Representative

For. Marcial C. Amaro Jr. Director, DENR-ERDB DENR Representative

Dr. Oscar G. Gutierrez, Jr.

FDRO, DOH-FDA DOH Representative

Dr. Leonardo A. Gonzales

President, STRIVE Foundation Community Representative

Dr. Amaryllis T. Torres

Dean, CSWD-UP Diliman Community Representative

Jose Maria A. Ochave, Esq.

Center for S &T Law Legal Adviser

DOST-Biosafety Committee Members

[20]

Secretary Mario G. Montejo Chairman of the NCBP endorsed the re-appointment of the members of

the NCBP to the President on January 27, 2011, as follows: 1. Hon. Proceso J. Alcala , DA Secretary 2. Hon. Ramon J.P. Paje, DENR Secretary 3. Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario , DFA Secretary 4. Hon. Manuel A. Roxas II , DILG Secretary 5. Hon. Enrique T. Ona, DOH Secretary 6. Hon. Gregory L. Domingo , DTI Secretary 7. Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. , Biological Scientist 8. Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, Environmental Scientist 9. Dr. Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go, Health Scientist 10. Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina , Physical Scientist 11. Prof. Victor S. Venida, Social Scientist 12. Gen. Marcelo C. Blando (Ret.) , Community Representative 13. Atty. Antonio P. Jamon, Jr. , Consumer Representative 14. Ms. Ma. Lourdes S. Florendo , Industry Representative

NCBP Members

Annex A

PROJECT PROPOSALS

REFERENCE NO.

PROJECT TITLE PROPONENT/

INSTITUTION

OBJECTIVES DATE RECEIVED

DATE

APPROVED

2012-0266 Confined Field Trial on Evaluation of IR64 Transgenic Lines for Drought Tolerance III

Dr. Inez H. Slamet-Loedin

(IRRI)

Evaluate the agronomic performance under drought of lowland transgenic lines selected from CFT in 2010 and 2011 Validate the earlier results in the screen house trials and evaluate agronomic performance of additional transgenic lines

Jan. 11, 2012

Jan. 21, 2012

2012-0267 Cloning and expression of the Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1 block 2 gene and biochemical characterization of its gene product

Dr. Denise Mirano-Bascos

(UP Diliman)

Clone and express the MSP-1 block 2 gene of P. falciparum in bacteria in order to understand its role in the pathogenesis of the parasite

Feb. 3, 2012

Feb. 18, 2012

2012-0269 Cloning and Expression of Raw Starch Digesting-Amylase Genes from Saccharomycopsis fibuligeria and Saccharomycopsis bubodii for Direct Ethanol Fermentation

Dr. Annabelle U. Novero

(UP Mindanao)

Characterize the putative RSDA genes from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Saccharomycopsis bubodii 2066 and express these in E.coli.

Feb. 13, 2012

May 30, 2012

2012-0270 Biotechnology-Assisted Development of Virus-Resistant Varieties and Populations of Squash for Climate Change Adaptation

Dr. Lolita M. Dolores

(UP Los Baños)

Develop squash populations and varieties with enhanced resistance to the major squash viruses, specifically SLCV, ZYMV, and PRSV-W

Nov. 29, 2012 Dec. 8, 2012

2012-0271 Genetic Diversity of the Philippine Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV-P) and Development of Infectious cDNA Clone for ToLCV Resistance Screening in Tomato (UP Los Baños)

Dr. Lolita M. Dolores

(UP Los Baños)

Determine the genetic diversity of the local ToLCV and develop an efficient virus screening method using an infectious cDNA clones of predominating strain of ToLCV in tomato

Nov. 29, 2012

Dec. 8, 2012

ANNEXES

[2]

Annex B IBC MATTERS

NAME OF IBC DATE RECEIVED

DATE APPROVED

Syngenta-IBC Reconstitution Feb. 18, 2012 Jan. 30, 2012

PhilRice-IBC Reconstitution Apr. 26, 2012

April 30, 2011

Annex C INSPECTION / MONITORINGS

PROJECT TITLE ACTIVITY INSTITUTION DATE

Evaluation of insertion lines of rice from Taiwan, Korea and Japan under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness

Monitoring on the field plowing and project termination IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Jan. 20, 2012

Confined Field Trial of Iron Biofortified Transgenic Rice Monitoring of the heading and flowering stage of the experimental rice plants

IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Jan. 20, 2012


Inspection of proposed screen house facilities Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (Gen. Santos City)

Jan. 22, 2012

Confined Field Trial on Evaluation of IR64 Transgenic Lines for

Drought Tolerance III Inspection of proposed confined test site IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Feb. 22, 2012

Confined Field Trial of Iron Biofortified Transgenic Rice” Monitoring of mature rice plants IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Feb. 22, 2012


Monitoring and documentation of transplanting activity IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Feb. 29, 2012

Confined Field Trial of Iron Biofortified Transgenic Rice” Monitoring and documentation of harvesting activity IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Mar. 20, 2012

Evaluation of insertion lines of rice from Taiwan, Korea and Japan under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness

Meeting with the IRRI-IBC and project proponents to discuss the details of monitoring

IRRI, Los Banos, Laguna Mar. 29, 2012

Confined Field Trial on Evaluation of IR64 Transgenic Lines for Drought Tolerance III”

Monitoring and documentation of the reproductive stage of the experimental rice plants

IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna May 8, 2012

Confined Field Trial of Iron Biofortified Transgenic Rice Documentation of post-harvest monitoring IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna May 8, 2012

[3]


Post-harvest monitoring IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Sept. 28, 2012

Evaluation of Candidate Genes for Heat and Drought Tolerance in Rice Inspection of growth chamber facilities and supervision of transport of experimental plant materials from the CL4

screen house into the growth chamber facilities

IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Sept. 28, 2012

Evaluation of insertion lines of rice from Taiwan, Korea and Japan under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness Evaluation of tDNA insertion lines of rice from Colombia, Australia and France under CFT conditions for morphological and agronomic traits related to C4ness

Post-harvest monitoring IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna Sept. 28, 2012


Monitoring and documentation of manual pollination of the experimental corn plants

Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (Gen. Santos City)

Oct. 21, 2012

Annex D

LOCAL INVITATIONS RECEIVED

FROM SEMINARS/CONFERENCES VENUE DATE

UST Science Week 2012: Building a Healthier Environment through Science

University of Sto. Tomas, Manila

Feb. 6 & 8, 2012

ISAAA Seminar on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops

Hyatt Hotel, Manila Feb. 8, 2012

ERDB-DENR Capacity Building on Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of Genetically Modified Organisms

Los Baños, Laguna, March 1-2, 2012

BPI-DA Consultation meeting on DA-A08

BPI, Malate, Manila Mar. 8, 2012

Intellectual Property Office

Forum on Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge

National Museum, Manila

Mar. 21-22, 2012

NCPAG-UP Diliman students

Thesis defense in Research Methods in Public Administration II (PA 199.2)

NCPAG-UP Diliman Mar. 27, 2012

Bureau of Plant Industry

(BPI)

New Developments of GM Crop Farming to Celebrate 10 years of GM Crop Regulation (DA A0 #8) and GM Corn Planting in the Philippines (Symposium)

Manila Hotel Apr. 3-4, 2012

PAWB 24th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Biological Diversity

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Apr. 19, 2012

BCP BCP Convention with the theme “Biotech for All Seasons and for All Reasons”

Traders Hotel Manila May 17-18, 2012

FDA Training on Food Safety Assessment of GM Food Crops

Calamba, Laguna May 22-25, 2012

NAST

34th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (Exhibitor)

Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel

July 12, 2012

PAWB 25th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Biological Diversity

PAWB, Quezon City Aug. 14, 2012

Stakeholders’ Interface on Genetically Modified Organisms

Traders Hotel, Manila Sept. 27, 2012

NAST First National Conference on Research in Climate Change and Variability

Traders Hotel Manila Sept. 27, 2012

DA Seminar on Agricultural Biotechnology for DA Public Information Officers

Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City

Nov. 8-10, 2012

DOH 2012 National Biotechnology Week

Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City,

Nov. 26-30, 2012

US Embassy Meeting with US Embassy Officials on the Outcome of COP-MOP 6

DOST, Bicutan, Taguig

Dec. 6, 2012

[2]

INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONS RECEIVED

FROM MEETINGS/CONFERENCES VENUE DATE

CBD 7th

Meeting of the Informal Advisory Committee on the Biosafety Clearing House

Montreal, Canada Mar. 28-30, 2012

CBD Secretariat thru PAWB

16th

Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advise

Montreal, Canada Apr. 30-May 5, 2012

CBD Secretariat thru PAWB

4TH

Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Review and Implementation of the CBD

Montreal, Canada May 7-11, 2012

Mitsubishi Research

Institute, Japan

Discussion on the Philippine developments as regards the implementation of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Department of Agriculture, Quezon

City

Sept. 20, 2012

International Society for Biosafety

Research (ISBR)

12th

International Symposium on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms

Millennium Hotel, Missouri, USA,

Sept. 16-20, 2012

CBD Secretariat Training Workshop for BCH National Focal Points

Hyderabad, India Sept. 28-29, 2012

CBD Secretariat Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP/MOP6)

Hyderabad, India Oct. 1-5, 2012

Du Pont Far East, Inc. Philippines

Visit to the DuPont Knowledge Center (DKC)

Hyderabad, India Oct. 8, 2012

PAWB from CBD Secretariat

Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP 11)

Hyderabad, India Oct. 8-19, 2012

Bhutan Agriculture and Food Authority

(BAFRA)

Visit of Bhutan Regulators to Discuss Experiences on the Setting up and Maintenance of the Biosafety Clearinghouse (BCH) Pilipinas

DOST, Taguig City and Los Baños,

Laguna

Dec. 3-5, 2012

Documents

National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines