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Julieta Fe L. Estacio-Project Development OfficerDepartment of Science and TechnologyHead Secretariat, National Committee on Biosafety Philippines-National Focal Point, BCH Pilipinas
Establishment of Legislative Frameworks and Institutional Arrangements
for Access to Biosafety Information
In the Philippines
Presented during the Round table on GMOs15-17 November 2016Geneva, Switzerland
Backgound• The first country in Asia to establish its biosafety regulatory
system for GMOs • Initiatives to establish a biosafety framework came from the scientists
in 1987
• Regulation is based on Executive issuances and not legislation • Regulatory responsibilities & approval rest on Competent National
Authorities• Domestic regulation is compliant with the provisions of the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety• Provisions of Article 23, including access to information,
is a component of the decision making process
Legislative Framework -E.O. 514 Section 6. Access to Information
Applications Posted in Agency websites
Protection ofConfidential Information Biosafety Decisions uploaded
in the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
Information on Risk Management, Product Monitoring, and Product Identification made
Available to the Public
The right of the public and the relevant stakeholders to information related to biosafety decisions is recognized and shall always be respected. It shall
include the following:
Institutional Arrangements -Procedures for active dissemination of biosafety information
• Disseminate biosafety regulation-related information ONLYBy designated National Focal Point (NFP) and the Component National
Authorities (CNAs)• Updates on policies, regulations are posted in the BCH and websites of
CNA’s and sent to all concerned stakeholders via email • Promotional materials on domestic regulation and the Cartagena
Protocol are disseminated during National Biotechnology Week, Fora for legislators and other stakeholders, Seminars sponsored by other organizations whether local or international, where biosafety regulations are discussed.
• Dissemination through Commission on higher education for biosafety updates and inclusion in science curricula/subjects; biosafety included in Agri Biotech course
• Invitations for Seminars/fora on capacity building and other activities are sent to stakeholders and NGOs through emails, media; regulators are interviewed via media
• Capacity building and PAEP Activities posted in the BCH news and local websites http://bch.dost.gov.ph
Lessons learned
Value of information and public awareness Value of calm reasoning
Decisions based on best available science
Full government support required to operationalize
the NBF
Coordinationand cooperation among
governmentDepartments
Concrete measures –Addressing gaps and the way forward
• National Biosafety Framework:• Institutionalization of the National Biosafety Regulatory System: Dialogue with legislators .• Strengthening of coordination mechanism among regulatory agencies engaged in biosafety
regulation by engaging in regular dialogues• Implementing the upcoming BCH III project• Access to Information: • Ensuring accurate, updated and concrete information in the BCH• Actively disseminating information to the education sector: Incorporating biosafety subject in
their curricula; B.S Agricultural Biosafety; conduct fora, seminars, • Promoting dissemination of information by the private sector, media and organizations to
popularize biosafety; develop and distribute IEC materials; appearance in TV/radio programs• Strengthening and sustaining regional networks and cooperation among Asian
countries to build capacities: Implement the BCH Roadmap developed by the Asia BCH Family in 2015
• Future measures to implement programme element 3 of the Programme of Work
Thank You! NCBP
http://www.ncbp.dost.gov.ph
DOST-Biosafety Committee http://dost-bc.dost.gov.ph
DA-BPI Biotech Core Teamhttp://biotech.da.gov.ph
BCH Pilipinas: http://bch.dost.gov.ph