by: Jan Esther Dequito | Informosomes & Christian Allan Natanauan | Ikirara
Biotechnology: History and Definition
Biotechnology has been in practice since ancient times, from when our ancestors cultivated plants, domesticated animals, and produced cheese, milk, bread, and wine with the help of microorganisms. "Biotechnology" is a term coined in 1919 by Hungarian engineer Karl Erkey, covering the interaction of "biology" and "technology." The name-inventor described biotechnology as the process by which living organisms convert raw materials into products that benefit society. While that classic definition is still relevant, the term biotechnology has continued to evolve over the decades. With the boom of advancements in genetics research and molecular technologies in the 21st century, much of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering has dominated modern biotechnology research and innovation.
Genetically Modified Organisms in the Philippine Context
The alteration of an organism’s genome is a significant step forward in the evolution of biotechnology. As genes often dictate expressed traits, fine-tuning the genome allows for the development of better traits in plants, animals, and microorganisms.
As molecular biology and biotechnology applications continue to progress, the definition and regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have also become varied by country. A review by Masashi Tachikawa and Makiko Matsuo of the University of Tokyo in Japan has summarized the regulations of countries for gene-edited products into four approaches, sequentially arranged from most stringent to the least:
Approach 1: GMO regulations are applied as they are to genome-edited products. As a result, prior safety assessment and approval by the government are required.
Approach 2: Simplified GMO regulations will be applied to genome-edited products. As a result, simplified safety review and approval procedures will be applied.
Approach 3: Genome-edited products are exempt from GMO regulations. However, confirmation by the government is required before placing on the market.
Approach 4: Genome-edited products are exempt from GMO regulations. Prior confirmation is not required by the government.
Most countries operate on the “middle ground” of regulations, typically under Approaches 2 or 3. In fact, current procedures in the Philippines align with Approach 3. According to Memorandum Circular No. 08, Series of 2022 (MC8), certain gene-edited plants can be classified under the scope of non-GMO. This policy outlines the rules for evaluating and assigning genome-edited plants and products of plant breeding innovations (PBI). A GMO is defined as any living organism containing a novel combination of genetic material obtained through modern biotechnology that would otherwise not be possible through conventional breeding. Products of PBI may then be deemed non-GMOs if they do not possess a novel genetic material and are technically considered conventional products.
Any PBI product to be introduced in the country shall be reviewed by the Technical Consultation for Evaluation and Determination (TCED) to assess whether it is genetically engineered. All PBI plants officially determined as GMOs shall be regulated under Joint Department Circular No. 01 (JDC1) Series of 2021. Meanwhile, PBI-derived non-GM plants need not be regulated by the said Circular. Though its developer shall be issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the JDC1, s202, it must still comply with the relevant regulations of DA.
New plant breeding techniques (NBTs) can result in genetically modified or non-genetically modified as its final product. These methods include site-directed nucleases (SDN), oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, cisgenesis and intragenesis, RNA-dependent DNA methylation (RdDM), grafting with GM material, reverse breeding, agroinfiltration, synthetic genomics, and more. In line with the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) Resolution No. 1, Series of 2020, products derived from SDN-1, SDN-2, and SDN-3 that are cisgenic fall under the non-GMO category.
The current available biotechnological regulatory landscape in the Philippines predominantly covers genome-edited plants. To date, the legislation covering genetically modified animals remains in the status of a draft and under a series of stakeholder consultations within the country. In the Philippines, the most widely used animal biotechnology technique is artificial insemination, employed for genetic improvements and existing reproductive technologies. DNA-based methods are mainly for DNA barcoding and diagnostic kit development. While the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) had conducted successful somatic cell nuclear transfer on embryo buffaloes in vitro, this adoption still remains under research stages and is within the bounds of PCC. Additionally, at present, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has drafted guidance on managing genetically modified (GM) fish, with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing techniques being explored for use in commercially important fish species by institutions like UP Visayas. On the other hand, products of microbial biotechnology are generally governed by regulations such as Executive Order No. 514 and the Philippine Biosafety Guidelines.
Progress of Food and Health Biotechnology in the Philippines
Since the establishment of Philippine biotechnological programs and institutions in the mid-20th century, the local scientific community has continued to champion the advantageous use of advanced molecular technology for the country's food and health sectors.
The late 1960s to 1970s saw the development of budding biotechnological research institutions, such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH). These research and development institutions have been vital in streamlining the progress of agriculture and food science—aiming to advance crops, livestock, and produce while safeguarding a sustainable future of food security and biodiversity conservation for the Filipino community.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has since established multiple sectors and institutions that aim to develop and regulate the progress of biotechnology in the country. In 1982, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) was founded and has since monitored the progress of science and technology (S&T) development in the country by policy-making for S&T projects and funding food and health biotechnology projects from the late nineties to the present. Furthermore, in 1987, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) established itself as a crucial entity for research-based advocacies, innovations, and policies in the food and health sectors.
With the fast-paced progression of biotechnology in the country, the Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to commercialize a biotech/genetically modified (GM) crop in the form of Bt corn in 2002—making a huge leap towards the advancement of food biotechnology in the country. Researchers have developed and produced multiple GM crops since then, with the approval of crops such as Golden Rice, Bt eggplant, and Bt cotton for commercial propagation occurring in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
In the health biotechnology sector, the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) was launched in 2011 and has since led the application of genomics in health research to address looming health concerns such as viral diseases. Most recently, PGC has been pivotal in monitoring and sequencing SARS-CoV-2 and its corresponding strains during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing bases for biotechnological advancements in vaccine production and further disease prevention and treatment.
The state of Philippine food and health biotechnology is at an all-time high with the current rise in biotech breakthroughs and products, all thanks to the tenacity of the Filipino science and research community. Here are some recent products and projects that exemplify the growth and future of biotechnology in the country:
JAmp WSSV Detection Kit for Shrimp
Researchers from the University of Santo Tomas produced the Juan Amplification (JAmp) WSSV Detection Kit, a LAMP-based technology used to detect White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in shrimp. The cost-efficient kit enables instant surveillance of infected shrimp, which increases shrimp yield and survival rates in the country.
PCR-based Detection Kit for Salmonella in Meat
Recent efforts to address the health threats of Salmonella infection include the production of a PCR-based detection kit for detecting the bacteria in meat and meat products. The researchers in the Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory at UP Diliman have optimized the technology for three-day analysis and have proven that the method is proficient in meat inspection and securing food safety.
Development of Paper-based Diagnostic kit for HIV Drug Resistance
The DOST-PCHRD has endorsed a project that develops a paper-based diagnostic kit for HIV drug resistance using recombinase polymerase amplification, with the goal of adopting a method that is more affordable, efficient, and accessible for detecting drug resistance in HIV-positive patients. With the current rise in HIV cases and the deficiency in HIV drug resistance testing centers in the country, the product can provide leaps and bounds in antiretroviral therapy, saving the lives of people living with HIV.
Advancing Biotechnology For A Sustainable Future in the Philippines
As mentioned earlier, the distinction between GMO and non-GMO is crucial in the regulations. Generally, regulations are less prohibitive toward those considered conventional products. Meanwhile, genetically engineered products with transgenic configurations undergo much more thorough biosafety assessments and processes before approval for commercialization and availability in the market.
Recently, authorities issued orders to halt the propagation and commercialization of the then-approved Golden Rice and Bt eggplant. This highlights the ongoing debate and complexities surrounding the implementation of genetically modified organisms, emphasizing the urgent need for updated policies and regulatory frameworks to address unresolved concerns. National policies on biotechnological innovations are strict (and rightfully so) to guarantee human health safety while protecting the environment. By implementing a progressive, science-based regulatory approach at every research endeavor, the future of adopting biotechnology developments in the Philippines can continue to hold great promise to enhance food security, improve crop resilience, alleviate hunger, support community health, and provide economic benefits, especially for farmers amidst the growing population and changing climate.
As we celebrate Genetics Week 2024 and the 20th National Biotechnology Week, let us keep ourselves informed about the current state of biotechnology in the country and raise awareness about pressing concerns that challenge the advancement of food and health innovations. It is up to us—as members of the local science community and citizens of the country—to shape the nature of biotechnology in the Philippines and allow for a more responsible biotech-enabled future for Filipinos.
REMEMBER: Genetics may be the fuel for biotechnology, but it is the people who hit the brakes to unlock the potential of these innovations in the racecourse of our country's tomorrow!
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