Policy and purpose
- The order declares that new technologies in health, agriculture, chemical and pharmaceutical, and the environment and natural resources have continuing worldwide impact and concern.
- The order recognizes that biotechnology may improve the quality of human life while carrying risks and hazards to health, safety, the environment, and society.
- The order provides that hazards in biotechnology research may be minimized, if not totally eliminated, through different containment levels and procedures in laboratories and greenhouses.
- The order identifies that most risks are associated with field testing and the eventual deliberate release of genetically manipulated/engineered organisms into the environment.
- The order states the need to constitute a body to study and evaluate existing laws, policies, and guidelines on biotechnology and related matters and to recommend measures for effective utilization and prevention of pernicious effects in the environment.
Creation and organizational attachment
- Section 1 constitutes the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP).
- Section 1 attaches the NCBP to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
- Section 1 places the DOST Undersecretary for R & D as the Chairman of the NCBP.
- Section 1 includes the following members:
- 1 biological scientist
- 1 environmental scientist
- 1 physical scientist
- 1 social scientist
- 2 respected members of the community
- 1 representative each from the DA, DENR, and DOH, to be designated by the respective Heads of Offices.
Terms, eligibility, and qualifications
- Section 2(a) provides that the Chairman’s term is coterminous with his appointment as DOST Undersecretary for R & D.
- Section 2(b) provides that all members excluding the Chairman serve a term of three (3) years.
- Section 2(b) provides renewal for another term or more under exceptional circumstances.
- Section 2 provides that the members representing DA, DENR, and DOH hold their positions for the duration of their appointments in those agencies.
- Section 3(a) requires that members be Filipino citizens of unquestionable integrity who reside permanently in the Philippines.
- Section 3(b) requires the four scientist-members to have a minimum of seven (7) years of collegiate and post-collegiate training (degree and/or non-degree) in their respective field.
Functions and operational role
- Section 4(a) requires the NCBP to identify and evaluate potential hazards involved in initiating genetic engineering experiments or introducing new species and genetically engineered organisms, and to recommend measures to minimize risks.
- Section 4(b) requires the NCBP to formulate and review national policies and guidelines on biosafety, including:
- safe conduct of work on genetic engineering
- pests and their genetic materials for the protection of public health
- the environment and personnel
- and to supervise implementation of these policies and guidelines.
- Section 4(c) requires the NCBP to formulate and review national policies and guidelines on risk assessment of work in biotechnology, and to supervise implementation.
- Section 4(d) requires the NCBP to develop working arrangements with government quarantine services and institutions for evaluation, monitoring, and review of projects, consistent with adherence to national biosafety policies and guidelines.
- Section 4(e) requires the NCBP to assist in developing technical expertise, facilities, and other resources for quarantine services and risk assessments.
- Section 4(f) requires the NCBP to recommend development and promotion of research programs to establish risk assessment protocols and assessment of long-term environmental effects of biological research covered by these guidelines.
- Section 4(g) requires the NCBP to publish results of internal deliberations and agency reviews.
- Section 4(h) requires the NCBP to hold public deliberations on proposed national policies, guidelines, and other biosafety issues.
- Section 4(i) requires the NCBP to provide assistance in formulating, amending, and developing pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
- Section 4(j) authorizes the NCBP to call upon the assistance of any government agency, department, office, bureau, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations.
Secretariat and support mechanism
- Section 4 provides that the DOST is the Secretariat of the NCBP.
- Section 4 provides that member agencies provide additional staff support as the need arises.
Budgeting and appropriations
- Section 5 requires the DOST to allocate from its present budget an amount necessary for the initial operations of the NCBP and its Secretariat.
- Section 5 provides that afterward, funding requirements must be included in the general appropriations bill submitted to Congress.
Effectivity
- Section 6 provides that Executive Order No. 430 takes effect immediately.