Hon. Proceso Alcala, Secretary of Agriculture was one of the distinguished guests of honor during the opening of the 6th National Biotechnology last 22 November 2010 Week at IMAX and Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
The week long event is organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This is in partnership with several government agencies, private and non-governmental organizations. To mention a few, Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), PhilRice, Biotech for Life, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), ISAAA, SEARCA, and IRRI.
CropLife, DA-High Value Commercial Crops Program, Monsanto, Pioneer and SM Mall of Asia are the major sponsors of the event.
Dr. Segfredo Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Program Development, Research and Regulation, and Chair of the Biotech Program Steering Committee is the DA National Biotech Week (NBW) Focal Person. Dr. Candida Adalla is the 2010 NBW Overall Coordinator. Ms. Thelma Soriano and Mr. Santiago Palizada of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry are members of the organizing team.
Dr. Clarito Barron, Director of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry presented a paper on the Biotechnology and the Corn Industry during the first day forum on "Modern Agricultural Biotechnology: Philippine Experiences and Opportunities".
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| Hon. Sec. Alcala with organizers during the opening program |
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| Dr. Serrano with guests cut the ribbon at the exhibit area |
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| Mr. Palizada at the Brgy. Biotek exhibit area |
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| USDA Agricultural Counselor Philip Schul and Dr. Espino |
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| Mr. Palizada and Ms. Sumage of Monsanto eating Bt corn |
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| Bt corn is one of the transgenic crop featured in the exhibit |
