Law Summary

I. Introduction

This Administrative Order (AO) establishes the Agricultural Biotechnology Center (ABC) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) to enhance agricultural productivity through biotechnology. It emphasizes the need for effective research and development (R&D) frameworks to improve the well-being of Filipinos, support farmers in a global economy, and address agricultural challenges.

II. Goals of the Center

• Goal: To implement an efficient agricultural biotechnology R&D agenda aimed at generating improved technologies and enhancing the productivity and commercial potential of crops, livestock, and fisheries.
• Key Objectives:
  • Job creation and establishment of small and medium enterprises in agricultural biotechnology.
  • Increased incomes for farmers and biotechnology innovators.
  • Contribution to national food security and global competitiveness.

III. Powers and Functions of the Center

• Powers:

  • Develop and commercialize agricultural biotechnology for income generation.
  • Rationalize agricultural biotechnology R&D agendas.
  • Establish bioinformatics facilities for biotechnology data management.
  • Train young scientists in advanced biotechnology.
  • Negotiate funding from diverse sources and provide technical support to DA research units.

• Important Functions:

  • Disseminate information on the benefits and risks of biotechnology.
  • Perform necessary functions for achieving the Center's goals.

IV. Priority Commodities

• The Center will focus on R&D initially for the following commodities:
  • Rice, Corn, Coconut, High-Value Crops (e.g., mango, sugarcane), Cattle, Carabao, Small Ruminants, Non-Ruminants, and Aquatic resources.

V. Expected Outputs

• Establishment of advanced biotechnology facilities.
• Development of a focused, resource-efficient biotechnology agenda.
• Creation of databases for bioinformatics to be shared among practitioners.
• Enhanced national capacity in biotechnology R&D and commercialization.

VI. Initial Programs, Projects, and Activities

• Major Activities:
  • Establishment of the ABC at PhilRice.
  • Development of competitive biotechnology R&D agendas.
  • Training programs for researchers and regulators.
  • Conducting general education campaigns on biotechnology.
  • Greenhouse and field-testing of biotechnology products.

VII. Organization, Structure, and Management of the Center

• Governing Board:

  • Comprises the DA Secretary and representatives from member agencies and various sectors.
  • Responsible for policy direction and approval of programs and budgets.

• Center Director:

  • A full-time Director appointed by the Board to manage daily operations.

• Divisions and Technical Boards:

  • Staffed by experts from member agencies to handle specific research programs and provide technical support.

VIII. Liaison with Relevant Departments/Agencies

• The Center will coordinate with various institutions, including agricultural biotechnology networks and universities, to ensure comprehensive R&D efforts.

IX. Funding

• The core funding will come from the DA's annual appropriations.
• The Director is authorized to seek additional funding from various sources, including government programs, grants, and donations.

X. Fund Management

• All funds are managed by the Center Director according to established fiscal procedures and oversight by the Governing Board.

XI. Repealing Clause

• Any previous issuances inconsistent with this AO are modified or revoked.

XII. Separability Clause

• If any provision of this AO is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

XIII. Effectivity Clause

• This AO takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Key Takeaways

• The establishment of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center aims to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness in the Philippines through a structured framework for biotechnology R&D.
• The Center is tasked with a broad range of functions, including commercialization of biotechnology, training of scientists, and collaboration with various sectors.
• Funding and management structures are defined to ensure the effective operation of the Center, with oversight by a governing board consisting of key stakeholders.