Scope and Objectives of the National Biosafety Framework
- Scope:
- Applies to development, adoption, and implementation of biosafety policies and guidelines.
- Covers research, development, handling, use, transboundary movement, release into environment, and management of regulated articles related to modern biotechnology.
- Objectives:
- Strengthen science-based biosafety determinations ensuring safe and responsible biotechnology use.
- Enhance decision-making processes to be efficient, predictable, effective, balanced, culturally appropriate, ethical, transparent, and participatory.
- Serve as guidelines to fulfill international obligations on biosafety, including compliance with the Cartagena Protocol.
Administrative Framework and Decision-Making Processes
- Biosafety decisions must comply with the administrative system and processes set forth in the NBF.
- Ensures systematic and standardized approach to regulatory decisions concerning biotechnology and biosafety.
Strengthening the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP)
- The NCBP is reinforced as the primary body overseeing biosafety matters.
- Mandate, functions, composition, and organization are clearly defined within the NBF.
- Empowers NCBP to coordinate biosafety policies and actions across government agencies.
Mandate on Departments, Offices, and Agencies
- All relevant government departments and agencies must align mandates, jurisdictions, and powers with the NBF.
- Coordination with NCBP and among agencies is required to ensure cohesive enforcement of biosafety measures.
Funding Arrangements
- Departments of Science and Technology (DOST), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Agriculture (DA), and Health (DOH) shall allocate funds from current budgets to support NBF implementation.
- Starting 2006, funding needs must be included in each department’s General Appropriations Bill submitted to Congress.
- These departments are mandated to formalize agreements for sharing financial and technical resources for sustainable operation of NCBP and its Secretariat.
Transition Provisions
- Existing NCBP continues current functions under prior Executive Order No. 430 until the full reorganization under the NBF is completed.
- Reorganization starts only after financial and technical support agreements are in place among DOST, DENR, DA, and DOH.
- Completion target for reorganizing NCBP is within one year from the effective date of the agreement.
- New members appointed by the President will commence duties after reorganization.
Repealing and Amending Clause
- All orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed or amended.
- Specific existing issuances remain in force unless amended, notably:
- DA Administrative Order No. 008, s. 2002;
- NCBP Guidelines on Contained Use (except provisions on harmful exotic species);
- All Bureau of Food and Drugs issuances on products of modern biotechnology.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order becomes effective 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
- Formal signing and promulgation by the President and Executive Secretary on March 17, 2006, City of Manila.