Author : Agbagala, Ma. Lorelie U. Agbagala

Summary : The Philippines' policy on Plant Breeding Innovations (PBIs) or New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) is based on the country's approach to the regulation of Genetically Modified Plant and Plant Products—the DOSTDA-DENR-DOH-DILG Joint Department Circular No.1, Series of 2021.

The National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) Resolution No.1, Series of 2020: The Regulation of Plant and Plant Products Derived from the Use of PBIs or NBTs recommends a productbased approach in determining whether a product will be exempted from the existing GM plant and plant products regulation.

Defined under Executive Order (EO) No. 514, Series of 2006, products from PBIs can be classified as a GMO if it contains a novel combination of genetic material obtained through modern biotechnology. The NCBP defines a novel combination as a resultant genetic combination in a living organism that is not possible through conventional breeding. Otherwise, a product is a non-GMO or conventional.

Further, the NCBP identified the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the primary agency for the evaluation and monitoring of products of PBIs or NBTs.