Goal of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center
- To implement a rationalized, effective, and efficient agricultural biotechnology R&D program within the DA.
- To generate improved agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, commercial potential, and value across crops, livestock, and fisheries.
- To create jobs, establish small and medium enterprises in biotechnology commercialization, increase incomes, and contribute to national food security and competitiveness.
Powers and Functions of the Center
- Develop and commercialize agricultural biotechnology products and generate income to sustain operations.
- Rationalize the DA’s agricultural biotechnology R&D and commercialization agenda.
- Establish bioinformatics facilities such as networks and servers for managing biotechnology information.
- Train young scientists and students in advanced biotechnology tools including genomics and bioinformatics.
- Disseminate information on benefits and risks associated with biotech products in agriculture.
- Secure funding from local and international sources and forge collaborative partnerships.
- Provide technical support to DA research centers engaged in biotechnology.
- Perform other necessary functions to achieve the Center’s goals.
Priority Commodities for Biotechnology Research
- Initial focus areas include:
- Rice
- Corn (white corn)
- Coconut
- High-value crops like mango, garlic, onion, eggplant, cotton, tobacco, sugarcane, banana, abaca
- Cattle (dairy and beef)
- Carabao
- Small ruminants (sheep and goats)
- Non-ruminants (hogs, chickens, ducks)
- Fish and priority aquatic resources such as bangus and tilapia
Expected Outputs and Deliverables
- Establishment of advanced genomics and biotech facilities and skilled manpower.
- Development of a focused, resource-efficient, market-driven biotechnology agenda for key agricultural commodities.
- Creation and sharing of databases and bioinformatics knowledge management systems.
- Application of biotechnology to enhance productivity and profitability.
- Development of biotech products to improve sustainability and human health.
- Enhanced national capacity in crop, animal, and fisheries biotechnology R&D.
- Regular training programs in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
- Strong collaborations with private sector and international organizations.
- Facilitation of commercialization and public acceptance of biotech products.
- Creation of models and incentive systems for successful commercialization.
Initial Programs, Projects, and Activities
- Establishment of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center at PhilRice and the DA R&D network.
- Development and annual review of biotechnology R&D agenda.
- Training of biotechnology researchers and regulators.
- Implementation of approved biotechnology projects under biosafety regulations.
- Generation and sharing of bioinformatics databases.
- Development of proposals for biotechnology R&D funding.
- Establishment of R&D and commercialization partnerships.
- Public education and awareness campaigns on biotechnology.
- Participation in regulatory review for effective commercialization.
- Greenhouse and field testing of biotech products.
- Negotiations for acquisition of intellectual property rights.
- Registration and commercialization of locally developed biotech commodities.
- Promulgation of guidelines for incentives related to agricultural biotechnology.
Organization, Structure, and Management
- Governing Board: The highest policymaking body chaired by the DA Secretary or designated Undersecretary, composed of member agency heads and representatives from private sector, NGOs, and stakeholder groups. The Board provides leadership, sets policies, approves budgets, and guides commercialization incentives.
- Center Director: Manages daily operations, appointed by the Board for a three-year renewable term. The PhilRice Executive Director serves as interim until the appointment.
- Divisions and Units: Staffed by scientists and researchers from member agencies assigned to thematic research such as genomics, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and intellectual property.
- Technical Boards: Three boards for crops, livestock, and fisheries provide technical advice and support.
Coordination and Liaison
- The Center maintains coordination with other DA and non-DA agencies engaged in biotechnology R&D such as BAR, PCARRD, PCASTRD, PHILSURIN, UPLB, SUCs, among others.
Funding Sources
- Core funding comes from the DA Secretary’s Office annual appropriations.
- Additional funding may be sourced from various government programs, DA biotechnology projects, member-agency contributions, local and international donors, grants, investments, loans, and others.
Fund Management
- All funds, including those generated via commercialization, are managed and disbursed by the Center Director.
- Fiscal control and management follow PhilRice’s established procedures and regulations under relevant executive orders.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Existing inconsistent issuances are modified, revoked, or repealed.
- The provisions are separable; invalidation of any part does not affect the rest.
Effectivity
- The Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.