The Department of Health (DOH) led government agencies and nongovernment agencies in the recent opening of the celebration of the National Biotechnology Week (NBW) through the launching of the technology poster exhibit.
The 15th NBW will be celebrated from November 25 to 29. This annual national event focused on increasing awareness on the use of biotechnology to improve the lives of the Filipino people.
“The use of biotechnology contributes immensely in saving the lives of our people and ushers innovative improvement to our healthcare,” Health Undersecretary Enrique Domingo said during the NBW soft launch and opening of exhibits.
“The DOH wants to emphasize, promote and advance the use of biotechnology in health and in saving lives,” Domingo added.
Joining Domingo in the event were National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) Executive Director Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, Dr. Flerida A. Cariño, Rep. Ron P. Salo and former Agham Party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones and the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Biotech Program Office.
This year’s NBW, through the chairmanship of the DOH, the role of biotechnology in Universal Health Care is highlighted with the theme: “Biotek: Makabagong Solusyon sa Kalusugan.”
The theme recognizes the growing health needs of the Filipino people and the potential of biotechnology to address these needs.
Biotechnology is the term given to technologies which involve the application of biological organisms or their components, systems or processes to manufacture, modify and/or improve products or processes.
“The Filipinos’ right to health calls for the right to correct information. Hence, this year’s activities for the NBW will focus on dissemination of qualified and correct information regarding vaccines and new biotechnology products, and ensuring that the message gets across to the Filipino public,” Domingo said.
He also cited NKTI as a specialized center of the DOH and a pioneer government hospital that uses biotechnology from diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of patients.
The NBW poster exhibit at the Atrium of NKTI until November 22, is a joint endeavor of the DOH (Food and Drug Administration, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and NKTI), DA, Departments of Science and Technology; Education; Environment and Natural Resources; Trade and Industry and of the Interior and Local Government; and the Commission on Higher Education.
Other participants are the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, and three partner organizations, namely, the GreenHeart PH; International Rice Research Institute; and Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines.
The best poster entry will be chosen by Salo, Palmones and DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Annabelle Villalobos.