To Regulate, or Not to Regulate, the Answer to the Question: The NCBP Policy on Plant Breeding Innovations or New Breeding Techniques

The Philippines' policy on Plant Breeding Innovations (PBIs) or New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) is based on the country's approach to the regulation of Genetically Modified Plant and Plant Products—the DOSTDA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular No.1, Series of 2021.

The National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) Resolution No.1, Series of 2020: The Regulation of Plant and Plant Products Derived from the Use of PBIs or NBTs recommends a productbased approach in determining whether a product will be exempted from the existing GM plant and plant products regulation.

Defined under Executive Order (EO) No. 514, Series of 2006, products from PBIs can be classified as a GMO if it contains a novel combination of genetic material obtained through modern biotechnology. The NCBP defines a novel combination as a resultant genetic combination in a living organism that is not possible through conventional breeding. Otherwise, a product is a non-GMO or conventional.

Further, the NCBP identified the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the primary agency for the evaluation and monitoring of products of PBIs or NBTs.