Author : Caballero, Lourdes M.A.

Summary : This research was conducted to identify the most credible and preferred sources of biotechnology (biotech) information among agricultural technologists in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Specifically, the study sought to: 1) find out the level of awareness and position or stand of agricultural tehnologists on biotech; 2) name their actual sources of information on biotech; 3) identify and rank their preferred sources of information on biotech; 4) determine the factors affecting their choice of information sources on biotech. Twenty-eight agricultural technologists served as the respondents for the research. Two research methods were used to gather data. A survey was used to gauge the respondents' level of awareness through a knowledge test, rate their familiarity with biotech, list their sources of information and rank the top three most credible sources. On the other hand, the focus group discussion (FGD) was used to elicit the respondents' experiences in technology transfer in their respective localities and draw out their evaluation of the quality of the information they have received and their understanding of it. The FGD was used to enumerate respondents' concerns about biotech and to give further details on the factors which affect their choice of a credible source. Results showed that the respondents had generally low awareness of biotech, did not have enough knowledge to decide whether to support or oppose it, and identified research institutions as their actual sources of information. Their top three most credible sources were PhilRice, Central Luzon State University, and local agricultural offices such as the Department of Agriculture. The most important factor that influenced the choice of sources was the qualification dimension. Credible sources must be skilled, informed and experienced.