by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (23 November) -- "Biotechnology sustains increased crop yields and farm productivity enhances the quality, value and sustainability of crops for food and other uses that are complementary to modern agriculture," President Gloria Macapagal said as she declared the last week of November of every year as "National Biotechnology Week".

The President signed Proclamation No. 1414 to arouse greater public awareness, education and understanding of biotechnology, its many uses, advantages and responsible applications and the regulation of the new technology.

Proclamation No. 1414 stipulates that it is the policy of the government to promote safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment and industry development.

The said Proclamation tasks the Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Education to create a National Biotechnology Week Committee that would formulate a program for a meaningful celebration of the event.