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Archives
March 1-31, 2007
3rd BAR Seminar Series highlights modern biotechnology
by Rita T. dela Cruz
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| Dr. Aida D. Solsoloy of the Cotton Development Administration (CODA), resource speaker during the 3rd BAR Seminar Series on modern biotechnology. |
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) conducted the third of its seminar series for this year featuring the lecture of Dr. Aida D. Solsoloy of the Cotton Development Administration (CODA) on “Management of Modern Biotechnology: Challenges and Directions” at the RDMIC lobby, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City on 16 March 2007.
The activity was attended by various representatives from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) attached agencies and staff bureaus. The event was hosted by Mr. Jude Ray P. Laguna of the Office of the Assistant Director (OAD), while Mr. Victoriano B. Guiam, head of the International Relations Unit (IRU), delivered the welcome remarks.
Dr. Solsoloy’s lecture was divided into six main topics, namely: 1) a backgrounder on modern biotechnology, 2) products of modern biotech, 3) Cartagena Protocol on biosafety, 4) Bioremediation, 5) Biopharming, and 6) Bioinformatics.
Bioremedation is a treatment processes that uses microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast) or plants to break down or degrade hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances.
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| Participants coming from the different DA-attached agencies and staff bureaus. |
Biopharming is the harvest of bioactive molecules from mass-cultured organisms (also called molecular farming), for use as pharmaceuticals to maintain health or to prevent or cure disease.
Bioinformatics is the science of managing and analyzing biological data using advanced computing techniques. It is a computer-assisted data management discipline that helps in gathering, storage, analysis, integration of biological and genetic information, and representing this information efficiently.
The country has been facing challenges to combat some of the most enduring problems against hunger, poverty, and employment which add to the pressing demands of an ever-growing population.
The onset of modern biotechnology and what it can do to make life easier for people has come in as one of the plausible solutions today. Research results on biotechnology are no longer new to Filipinos, but its immense benefits are yet to be reaped. Innovations in biotechnology serve as a tool for other countries to attain economic growth but for developing countries like the Philippines, the promise and potential of modern biotechnology is something to hope for.
For years scientists have been conducting studies to improve the way people live. The common techniques lead to more modern systems and procedures so as to cope with an ever increasing demand.
But like they say, no technology is totally risk free. And in the world of modern biotechnology, all benefits require reasonable and manageable risks.
According to Dr. Solsoloy, modern biotechnology is not a silver bullet solution for all human problems as it is still in its developmental stages and has a long way to go. But it is known today, modern biotechnology can 1) solve several problems in agriculture, health, and environment; 2) develop better crops, animals and microorganisms; 3) provide cleaner and sustainable environment that is safe both to humans/animals and the environment, and 4) present as an effective, precise, and safe medicine.
The seminar series is regularly conducted by BAR to give way to the exchange of information and knowledge, trends, challenges, and opportunities in the agriculture and fisheries R&D sector. It serves as an important venue for information-sharing and discussions of some of the latest issues and concerns, challenges, and directions faced today. 
March 1-31 2007 Articles:
:: CPAR consultation in 10 poorest provinces kicks-off in Masbate
:: Sec. Yap signs AO for CPAR implementation
:: Yap encourages vegetable industry towards profit and market promotion
:: Corn RDE sets directions and priorities for the next 5 years
:: PhilRice conducts training on producing crop suitability maps
:: BAR Assistant Director Solsoloy keynotes URS graduation
:: Increasing the intellectual property rights awareness
:: IP Management Seminar establishes partnership
:: 3rd BAR Seminar Series highlights modern biotechnology
:: BAR to restructure weak framework in Philippine agri
:: On promoting exportable agricultural products
:: International funding agency consults BAR on possible tie-up
:: OPAPA launches e-Learning program for AFNR sector
:: Setting R&D directions for community of practice
:: Establishing solid innovation policy for effective R&D technology transfer
:: BAR staff members attend e-gov project management seminar
:: JICA Philippines conducts workshop on agriculture/fishery technology development and extension
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