Scope and Objectives of the NBF
- Scope: Applies to biosafety policies, measures, guidelines, and decisions related to:
- Research and development
- Handling and use
- Transboundary movement
- Environmental release
- Management of regulated articles involving modern biotechnology
- Objectives:
- Strengthen science-based biosafety determinations ensuring safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology.
- Enhance decision-making systems to be efficient, predictable, balanced, culturally appropriate, ethical, transparent, and participatory.
- Provide guidelines for the implementation of international biosafety obligations.
Administrative Framework and Decision-Making Processes
- All biosafety-related decisions must comply with the administrative system and processes as established under the NBF.
Strengthening the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP)
- NCBP's mandate, functions, composition, and organization are revisited and strengthened.
- The committee continues as the key coordinating body for biosafety in the country.
Mandate of Departments, Offices, and Agencies
- All government departments and agencies involved in biosafety and biotechnology are mandated to align their jurisdictions and powers in accordance with the NBF.
- Coordination with the NCBP and with each other is required for unified implementation.
Funding for Implementation
- The Departments of Science and Technology (DOST), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Agriculture (DA), and Health (DOH) must allocate funds for NBF implementation.
- Support for NCBP operations and Secretariat is incorporated in these budgets.
- Future funding requirements are submitted within the General Appropriations Bill to Congress.
- An inter-agency agreement will govern the sharing of financial and technical resources to support NCBP and Secretariat.
Transition and Reorganization of the NCBP
- The existing NCBP continues its functions under prior Executive Order No. 430 until full reorganization.
- Reorganization begins post-agreement on resource sharing among DOST, DENR, DA, and DOH, and must be completed within one year.
- Appointment of new members by the President occurs after reorganization completion.
Repealing and Amending Prior Issuances
- Orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this order are repealed or amended.
- Specific issuances by the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Food and Drugs remain in force unless amended.
- NCBP guidelines on contained use of genetically modified organisms apply, except provisions on potentially harmful exotic species are repealed.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
This comprehensive framework establishes an integrated national approach to biosafety, ensuring the safe use and management of modern biotechnology in the Philippines while fulfilling international commitments under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.