Biotech coalition incorporated

The Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP) was recently incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit organization for the promotion, development and advancement of the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology in the country.

The incorporation was announced by BCP chairman of the board and president Benigno Pecson, Ph.D.

"While other countries, including developing ones like Cuba, are already reaping the benefits of biotechnology, especially in agricultural innovation, to help promote economic, social and scientific development. This is one area where the BCP seeks to play a constructive role," Peczon added.

The BCP will liaise and network at the national and local levels with other organization that support modern biotechnology, advocate policies and enabling legislation that foster a socio-political environment conducive to biotechnology, and implement information, education and communication programs.

In its vision statement, the BCP said that as a broad-based, multi-sectoral coalition, it envision a safe, responsible, progressive, dynamic and forward-looking Philippine society enjoying the full benefits of modern biotechnology. Therefore, the mission of the BCP is to contribute to national development goals of eradication of poverty, achieving food security, improving health, and sustaining the environment by harnessing the actual and potential benefits of modern biotechnology through its safe and responsible use.

Among its stated principles, the BCP said that in the establishment of a national policy and regulatory framework for products of biotechnology, the concerns of all sectors should be assessed in a manner that is national, objective, transparent, and scientific.

The BCP’s board of advisors is composed of former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani, Dr. Emil Javier, Bishop Jesus Varela and former Economic Planning Secretary Solita Monsod. Other BCP officers are Dr. Rhodora Aldemita, vice president; Dr. Amelia Ancog, legal counsel; Dr. Nina Gloriani Barzaga, research director; Dr. Gloria Bernas, director for membership and annual convention; Dr. Olivia Castillo, treasurer; Dr. Elias Escueta, auditor; Marietta Giron, Comelec director; Abraham Manalo, executive secretary; Angelo Palmones, information officer; and Edwin Paraluman, director for social marketing.