Biotech research key to RP development

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s leading scientists and academicians shared their insights on biotechnology and its role in national development during the 2010 Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City.

“There are three areas in which biotechnology can help solve our country’s most pressing problems: increasing food production, prolonging and improving Filipinos’ lives, and rescuing our ailing natural environment,” said Senator Edgardo J. Angara.

Angara was the keynote speaker during the 2010 Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City last July 12. BioCamp is a pioneering biotechnology workshop organized by research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis for entrepreneurial graduate and postgraduate Filipino students in the natural sciences who are interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology.

According to Angara, biotechnology can help Filipino farmers achieve improved plant growth and higher yield through biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. He noted the tremendous potential in improved crops containing genes that provide pesticidal properties; resistance to herbicides; and tolerance to pests, disease and drought. These improved crops considerably reduce production costs such as inputs of fertilizers and pesticides, he added.

Angara believes that the local livestock sector can benefit significantly from biotech in the areas of production of vaccines for foot and mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia, for diagnostics, and in vitro fertilization.

National Scientist Dr. Lourdes Cruz said that marine biotechnology harnesses marine resources in the development of lifesaving medicines, such as antibiotics (e.g. cephalosporin) and inflammation and pain medicines.

“The use of immune cell therapy, a form of stem cell therapy, may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment while causing virtually no side effects,” explained molecular biologist Dr. Francisco Chung Jr. During the workshop, Chung shared preliminary results of a study his group at the Lung Center of the Philippines is doing on immune cell transplantation as adjuvant treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.

“Since it was established in 1993, our company has dedicated its efforts in promoting biotechnology in the Philippines,” said biotech entrepreneur Engineer Danilo P. Manayaga Manayaga is the President and CEO of Secura International Corp. (SIC), Secura Plant Genetics Corporation (SPGC) and Servac Philippines Corporation (SPC). SIC produces powdered and liquid extracts from valuable fruit, plant and vegetable resources. SPGC manufactures enzymes, essential oils and plant extracts. SPC produces various vaccines, including the first locally made anti-rabies vaccine.

“Novartis is working with the Department of Health [DOH] and Department of Science and Technology [DOST] in conducting clinical studies to enhance the scientific knowledge of Filipino physicians and scientists,” said Dr. Francis Domingo, chief scientific officer, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

Maui Arroyo, founder and CEO of the country’s first biotechnology consulting firm Hybridigm Consulting, agrees. “Proactive and enabling policies on technology access must be created, particularly technology transfer legislation and a law on biodiversity.” To strengthen the country’s research and development base, she recommends training local scientists in the fundamentals of technology entrepreneurship and intellectual property protection (IPP).

DOST Secretary Dr. Mario Montejo called on local biotech stakeholders in the public and private sectors to work together in advancing biotech in the country. “We can do more and faster if we have more partners who will work with us in making a difference in the lives of Filipinos.”

“Through BioCamp, we aim to help build up the country’s pool of skilled scientists to improve Philippine healthcare and drive national progress,” said Ms. Christine Liwanag, corporate affairs and market access director, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.