DAVAO CITY – The National Biotechnology Week was formally opened in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Monday with the theme “Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Pambansang Kaunlaran”.
The annual event was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and tackles agricultural productivity, food security and public health.
The NBW showcases the latest inventions and innovations in the field of biotechnology as a response to meet the challenges of climate change that have great impact on farm harvests, crop yields and climate-related diseases.
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, in a statement to the press, said the country can “harness the power of biotechnology” to face the effects of climate change to productivity in agriculture, food security and public health.
“We answer the problem posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, food security and health care by harnessing the power of biotechnology, of using safe but highly effective scientific processes in improving crop varieties resistant to extreme weather conditions and developing breakthrough drugs in combating recurring and emerging diseases,” he said.
The NBW will feature new inventions and innovations developed by local scientists and researchers in different fields of agriculture and aquaculture, in creating environment friendly fertilizers, improving crop varieties, discovering pest-resistant seeds, formulating indigenous drugs and medicines. All these are being initiated through the use of biotechnology as a science for creating better crops, better products and better processes.
“At the current pace of global biotech research and development, our potential to improve medicine, agriculture and industry will be greatly enhanced,” Montejo added.
“For example, by consulting personalized medical profiles, doctors will be able to identify genetic risks for chronic illnesses and tailor their medical advice to individual patients,” he said.
The event will run until November 28. (davaotoday.com)
