As climate change and food insecurity continue to challenge the nation's agricultural productivity, Filipino scientists are turning to biotechnology (BT) as a key solution for sustainable farming and nutrition.
At a media forum on "Biotechnology R&D and Regulatory Landscape in the Philippines" held on October 14, experts from leading scientific institutions reported significant advances in gene-edited and genetically engineered crops— innovations poised to reshape the country's food systems.
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications Inc. (ISAAA) noted a growing global and local acceptance of gene-edited crops, driven by more science-based regulations.
These crops — engineered for higher yield, pest resistance, and improved nutrition — are seen as vital in addressing malnutrition and climate-related farming losses.
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has shifted its research priorities from merely increasing yield to improving eating quality and nutritional value.
One example is Golden Rice, a genetically engineered variety enriched with Vitamin A to combat micronutrient deficiency among Filipino children.
At the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), researchers from the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) continue to advance Bt eggplant and Bt corn, crops modified for resistance to major pests such as the fruit and shoot borer and corn borer by using the gene of the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These biotech varieties reduce the need for chemical pesticides, lowering farming costs and environmental risks.
Despite these scientific milestones, experts warn that regulatory hurdles remain a bottleneck. Legal challenges, including environmental cases such as Writ of Kalikasan petitions, have delayed commercialization and farmer access to biotech crops.
"The science is ready, but the system must keep up," said Dr. Winifredo Dagli of UPLB's Department of Science Communication. "We need stronger science communication and policy alignment to make biotechnology truly work for the people."
A UPLB study also underscored the need for science education and public engagement to dispel misinformation and build trust in biotechnology. Experts urged the government and private sector to share success stories from other countries and make scientific concepts more understandable to farmers and consumers alike.
Forum participants — including PhilRice, UPLB, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) — agreed on promoting "coexistence" among traditional, organic, and biotech farming systems.
This approach, they said, empowers farmers to choose technologies that best fit their needs while preserving environmental integrity and cultural practices.
Organized by Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), CropLife Philippines, and SEARCA, the event forms part of the National Biotechnology Week celebration, highlighting the Philippines' growing momentum toward technology-driven, climate-smart agriculture.