The University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) recently organized a campaign focused on Genetic Modification (GM) and Gene Editing (GE) research in the country, as well as on the challenges faced by its researchers.

Titled “#GeneTalks,” the two-part, multi-stakeholder awareness campaign, spearheaded by the UPD-CS Office of the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise (OADRIDE), aims to foster understanding and elevate the level of public discourse on genetic research by discussing the challenges, opportunities, and potentials of research in GE and GM, while also addressing common misconceptions related to the field. This event series emerged in response to the Court of Appeals’ ruling, case no. CA-G.R. SP No. 00038, which restricts the use, testing, and importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and its potential impact on the academe’s role as a research institution.

The first forum held on November 4 and titled “Lab to Field,” explores GM research, its regulatory processes in the Philippines, and its importance in agriculture. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Ernelea Cao, Professor Emeritus at the UPD-CS Institute of Biology on regulatory processes for GM research and its significance; Atty. Edmund Jason Baranda, Managing Partner of Baranda and Associates, on the Court of Appeal’s ruling on GMOs; and Dr. Lourdes Taylo, Bt Eggplant Project Leader, on Bt eggplant and the role of GMOs in food security and nutrition.

“Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring the ethical and responsible conduct of research, and for expanding our insights into GM research for the benefit of scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders,” said  UPD-CS National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) Director Dr. Pia Bagamasbad during the forum, who observed that scientists may not be aware of the broader implications of GM research and products.

On the other hand, the second forum, held on November 11 and titled “Edit to Innovation,” covers GE technologies, their potential across various fields, and their broader implications. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Dr. Reynante Ordonio, Senior Science Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, on the current status of biotechnology in the Philippines and GE applications; and Dr. Ron Leonard Dy, Associate Professor at the NIMBB, on the use of GE in molecular diagnostics.

“Communicating genetic research through talks such as #GeneTalks provides transparency, allowing the public to ask questions and check the validity of the scientists’ claims. It is a way to bring about societal trust and acceptance.” shared Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista, NIMBB Deputy Director for Research and Extension and Member of the UPD-CS Technical Working Group for GMO-related concerns. “When scientists share information about genetic research and their outcomes, they implicate their authenticity, accountability, and moral and social values.”