SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center

Highlights ofACTIVITIES in 2012

ISAAA KC-BICs Annual Network MeetingLe Soleil de Boracay, Philippines4-6 April 2013

Challenges

• Misinformation from anti-biotech groups

• Local ordinances banning planting and trials of GM crops

• Pending House Bills in Congress• Court case

Outline of Presentation:

Highlights of Accomplishments in

2012

Biotech Campus Journalism Contest

Biotech-On-the-Air

Biotech Outreach Activities in Congress

• Organized by the Philippine Science Journalists Association, Inc. (PSciJourn), AGHAM Party-list, ISAAA and SEARCA BIC

• Open to all aspiring student science journalists at the High School and College levels

• It encouraged Filipino students to research on modern crop biotech and interview scientists, biotech corn farmers and even regulators of biotech crops

• From more than 90 entries from all over the country, the articles that were evaluated were narrowed down to the

top 10 for each level.

Awarding of Winners during the 8th National

Biotechnology WeekGateway Suites, Cubao, Quezon City

Tele-Radio Guesting at BagoYan Ah! DZMM Tele-Radio Program and

DZRB Radyo ng Bayan

Study Tour to Business Mirror Publishing Office, one of the leading

news dailies in the Philippines

Study Visit to Biotech Research Facilities

(IRRI, UPLB-BIOTECH, and UPLB-Institute of Plant

Breeding)

UPLB Study Tour

Exhibits and Fun Activities during the National Biotechnology Week

On-line Promotion

Media Releases

Biotech-On-the-Air

Biotech-On-the-Air

• Broadcasts nationwide thru the weekly radio program RadyoTeknolohiya at DZRB Radyong Bayan anchored by Broadcaster Melly Tenorio

• Features experts discussing various biotechnology topics that evolve from basic concepts of biotechnology, regulations, safety, IRM, and other relevant biotechnology issues in a laymanized one-on-one interview.

Biotech-On-the-Air

• Includes a trivia (“Tekkie Trivia”) and contest (Biotech Contest) segments

• Biotech Contest- listeners could participate by texting

the right answer to crop biotech-related questions posed for the week

- winners would then receive giveaway items (biotech IEC materials and tokens)

Biotech-On-the-AirBiotech Contest

Listener-respondents: • farmers• Housewives• blue collar workers (i.e.

electrician, carpenter)• small and medium entrepreneurs• government employees• college and high school students

Total no. of participants (as of March 8, 2013): 89

Respondents were from:• Metro Manila• Laguna• Bulacan• Rizal

• Nueva Ecija• Pampanga• Bataan

Biotech Outreach Activities in Congress

Pinoy Biotech Products: Contributing to Sustainable

Agriculture, Improved Health, and Better Environment:

Biotech Exhibit & Seminars

• Co-organized with ISAAA, AGHAM Party-list, Butil Party-list, Phil. Science Journalists Association, Inc. (PSciJourn), PBS Philippines, UPLB-BIOTECH, and UPLB-IPB.

• The outreach consisted of biotech seminars for congress media and policy makers, and a biotech exhibit held at the Philippine House of Representatives, Quezon City, Philippines from 22 to 25 January 2013.

• The seminars served as an opportunity for the policymakers, media, and other Congress constituents to clarify issues and concerns on biotechnology, particularly genetically modified crops.

Pinoy Biotech Products: Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture, Improved Health, and Better Environment: Biotech Exhibit & Seminars

Biotech Seminar for Congress Media

Pinoy Biotech Products: Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture, Improved Health, and Better Environment: Biotech Exhibit & Seminars

Biotech Exhibit at the Congress

Pinoy Biotech Products: Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture, Improved Health, and Better Environment: Biotech Exhibit & Seminars

Biotech Exhibit at the Congress

Pinoy Biotech Products: Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture, Improved Health, and Better Environment: Biotech Exhibit & Seminars

Biotech Seminar for Policy Makers

Continuing Efforts

• SEARCA BIC website• E-news service• Mailing list• Regional and local biotech outreach

activities• Development of biotech IEC materials

More things to do to reach the finish line.

Maraming Salamat!Thank you and enjoy Boracay, Philippines!