
A CHANGE FOR A BETTER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: Virtual Consultations on the Review and Proposed Revisions on the DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular#1 Series 2016
A CHANGE FOR A BETTER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK:
Virtual Consultations on the Review and Proposed Revisions on the DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular#1 Series 2016
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) held three stakeholders’ consultation on the proposed revision on the DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. 1 series of 2016, the Rules and Regulations for the Research and Development, Handling and Use, Transboundary Movement, Release into the Environment, and Management of Genetically Modified Plant and Plant Products Derived from the Use of Modern Biotechnology last August 10, 18, and 24, 2021 via Zoom platform.
An Ad Hoc Technical Working Group (AHTWG) was created in May 2019 for the review of the Joint Department Circular#1 s2016. The AHTWG was composed of representatives from concerned Departments, research and academic institutions, collegial bodies, and stakeholders. They were tasked to identify sections and provisions in the Circular that need revisions to address the concerns in the implementation, and proposed changes that will fit into the Philippines’ regulatory set-up.
Matrices of Comments on the JDC #1 Series 2016
Matrices of comments and questions received on the revised DOST-DA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular #1 Series 2016 during the Stakeholders Consultation held last August 10, 18, 24 2021.
https://ncbp.dost.gov.ph/download/joint-department-circular-comments-and-suggestions
Online Written Consultation on the Draft DA Memorandum Circular on Plant Breeding Innovations (PBIs) or New Breeding Techniques (NBTs)
ONLINE FORM:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkKEF0BfyHyfMRT9BttVVGUZ_FN6GFGjV0nXPysXgdnjD1xw/viewform
In 2018, the Department of Agriculture Biotech Program commissioned a study to review plant breeding innovations (PBIs) or new breeding techniques (NBTs) state of the art; regulatory landscape; applicable domestic laws, rules, and regulations; and determine public sector capacity in conducting research and development. The policy recommendations in the study were accepted by the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) in 2019.
Following the work of an ad hoc expert group tasked by NCBP to examine further the policy recommendations, Resolution No. 1, s. 2020 was issued by NCBP classifying products of PBIs/NBTs as GMOs if they contain novel genetic material obtained from the application of modern biotechnology tools. Furthermore, these PBI-derived GM plants and products will be regulated under the DOST-DA-DOH-DENR-DILG Joint Department Circular 1, s. 2016 (JDC1).
Consequently, the said resolution tasked DA to take the lead in evaluating and monitoring products of PBIs/NBTs that do not fall under the scope of the JDC1. In view thereof, the Technical Advisory Group on Modern Biotechnology and Related Innovations for Agriculture and Fisheries (TAG-MBI) has drafted the memorandum circular on the rules and procedures in evaluating such products.
Consultation activities, both in oral and written procedure, are conducted to inform, consult, and encourage the participation of regulatory agencies, technology developers (both public and private), scientists, members of the academe, and research funding agencies in formulating an effective policy on PBIs/NBTs. In particular, this Online Written Consultation aims to reach greater public involvement and ensure inclusivity.
You may download the files through the following links:
Draft Memorandum Circular: https://bit.ly/Draft-DA-Memo-Circular-on-PBIs
NCBP Resolution no. 1, s. 2020: https://bit.ly/NCBP-Resolution-01-2020
We encourage you to focus only on relevant comments or suggestions for the improvement of the drafted rules and procedure. All comments will be accepted until October 1.
In compliance with Republic Act 10173, also known as the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012, all information will be regarded as confidential. By submitting this form, you agree and allow the Department of Agriculture to collect, process, transmit and store the data provided herein subject to the rules and regulations set by the Data Privacy Act.
