In this module, you will be exposed to an interesting and controversial

yet highly utilized modern tool of science. The brief background, mechanism,
and or process of genetic engineering and nanotechnology will give you the
foundation in understanding the utilization of these technologies. Examples of
crops and other organisms that have been genetically modified will be cited
and tackled. With understanding the role of GMOs and nanotechnologies in the
social context, the issues and campaigns against these products more so on
GMOs will be discussed and considered along with the vital role of governing
bodies in policy-making and on the regulation of these technologies

Are you fascinated with sci-fi movies like “the Jurassic Park”?
“Spiderman” and “the X-men”?

Module Pretest

Instructions: Encircle the LETTER of your answer.

1. Have you heard of GMOs and nanotechnology before?
A. Yes B. No C. Unsure
2. What is being altered in an organism in the process of genetic
modification?
A. Cell B. Genome C. Tissue
3. What particle size is referred to in a nanoscale?
A. A.1-99 µm B.9-100 mm C. 1-100 nm
4. Which of the following might NOT be closely associated with GMOs?
A. fabric made of100% cotton C. newly released smartphone
B. imported tomato sauce
5. What essential property of nanomaterials that are significantly
increased along with the increase in its surface area due to size scale.
A. Chemical reactivity B. physical property C. color

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Maybe once in your life, you thought of something out of the ordinary or
improving the appearance or characteristic of something. With the advent of
emerging technologies, all these interests can be realized with the modern
tools of science. Genetic engineering also known as genetic modification is
one such tool. In this lesson, we will understand the science of these
technologies and their historical roots.

At the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Differentiate biotechnology, genetically modified organism (GMO) and,

nanotechnology
2. Briefly recall the history of GMOs and nanotechnologies
3. Outline the processes of these technologies

Do you think genetic modifications and developing

nanotechnologies are relevant and significant during these times?
Why? Why not?

How are these technologies defined?

To give us a start-up knowledge of these technologies. Let us get ourselves

familiar with how these technologies are defined which will also help us as
most of these terms will be used as we go along in this module.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that
possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use
of modern biotechnology. GMO also refers to living modified organisms as
defined by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Biosafety is a condition in which the probability of harm, injury, any damage
resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction and/or use of a
regulated is within acceptable and manageable levels (National Academy of
Science and Technology, 2009).
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Nanotechnology by definition is “a science, engineering, and technology

conducted at the nanoscale (1 to 100 nm), where unique phenomena enable
novel applications in a wide range of fields, from chemistry, physics, and
biology, to medicine, engineering, and electronics” (Bayda et al., 2020).

A brief history of GMOs

First let us briefly know the roots of these technologies, the individuals who
pioneered in this science, and how such methods became what it is today.
For over 2,000 years of the theoretical gestation of genetics until the advent
of cellular biology in the 19th century, it was only in the first part of the 20th
century that the mechanism of genetic coding is finally cracked in 1965 and
that the terms deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are
formally named. In the 1950s, the efforts of James Watson, Francis Crick,
Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin paved the way to the discovery of the
double-helix structure of DNA and gave DNA and RNA final recognition as the
containers of genetic information in living systems. This discovery earned
them a Nobel Prize in 1962.
Fast forward to 2003 which marked the completion of the Human Genome
Project (HGP). This gave rise to greater heights in molecular methods after 2
millennia of constant inquiries and discoveries in the field, one of which is the
genetic modification or genetic engineering (Psyche Medical Laboratory
Software, 2018). Since then, this technology has been highly explored and
utilized in various fields for improvements in microbial ecologies,
environment, health care, and agriculture, particularly in food production.
From the genetic engineering of one bacterial DNA into another up to the
genome editing of soybean for oil production, genetic modification has been
highly considered of great potential.

The Process of Genetic Engineering

Now to give you a birds-eye view of genetic engineering or genetic

modification, let us discuss the general steps involved in this process. The
following steps are referenced based on examples of technologies developed
from major biotech companies that are publicly made available (Powell,
2015). How is this being done? that it could be so useful yet also have sparked
public debates and many social concerns?
1. Identification of the trait of interest

We have previously learned in our biology classes that we are made

up of DNA and that this carries our genetic information that makes up
our genes. Now, this information is coded using the universal genetic
code that transcribes bases into RNA (transcription) and later on
translated into proteins (translation). This series of processes is what
we call the central dogma of molecular biology. This is the principle
that is shared by all of us living organisms despite the diversity and
this dictates how genes in every cell of an organism are expressed
into different traits for every function and appearance.

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The first step of genetic engineering or genetic modification involves

the selection or identification of the gene of interest or the trait that
you want to express in an organism. This first step is crucial as it
involves critical thinking and one must consider the potential
significance or impact of that trait to the organism and its
environment.

Figure 7. 1. Identification of the trait of interest

(Source:” botani” is licensed under CC0 1.0)

2. Isolation of the gene of interest

Through various methods in molecular biology such as comparative

analysis, an organism’s genetic make-up is decoded and screened for
the gene of interest. The genome of the species with the trait of
interest is compared to the species which does not carry the said trait.
Available database of information of an organism’s genome is helpful
in this method if there are any otherwise the scientist will perform the
so-called “knock-out” to screen and isolate the gene that leads to the
specific trait.

Figure 7. 2. Isolation of the gene of interest

(Source: “botani” and “dna” is licensed under CC0 1.0)

3. Insertion of the gene of interest into a new genome

This step mainly involves the incorporation of the isolated gene of
interest into a new organism. This is achieved through various
methods such as the use of gene-gun, Agrobacterium tumefaciens,
and plasmids. We will not dig deeper into these methods but for those
who are interested, you can do further readings on the suggested
references at the end
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Figure 7. 3. Insertion of the gene of interest into a new genome

(Source: "File: Chromosome DNA Gene [Link]" by Thomas
Shafee is licensed under CC BY 4.0

4. Growing the GMO

Do you just grow them anywhere? Of course, no! This step follows after
successful insertion of the gene of interest and the genotype is
constantly monitored by scientists or researchers upon growing to
ensure they are propagating the ones that carry a certain trait. They
are grown in climate-controlled growth chambers, greenhouses, and
other controlled sites.

Figure 7. 4. Growing GMO in a climate-controlled chamber

(Source: "delicate" is licensed under CC0 1.0)

What about Nanotechnology?

The presence of nanoparticles dates back to the colored glass by Romans

during the 4th century AD. The Lycurgus cup was recognized as the oldest
synthetic nanomaterial after being studied by scientists in 1990. Italians are
also said to have employed and contain nanoparticles in their Renaissance
pottery during the 16th century. However medieval artists and forgers did not
know yet the cause and effect of these materials of the time.
It was in 1959 that the concept of nanotechnology and the first formal
discussion took place. American physicist Richard Feynman in his speech
entitled “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” described the futuristic
potential of machines to construct smaller machines down to the molecular
level. He described how physical phenomena change the manifestation with
the size and scale of the material. In 1974, the term “nanotechnology” was
first used and defined by a Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi in his paper
(Bayda et al., 2020).

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Since then developments in molecular nanotechnology leading to

nanosystems machinery manufacturing gained its pace until the late 1990s
and early 2000s that almost all industrialized nations made nanotechnology
initiatives.

Methods in nanotechnology

The concept of Feynman on the new field of research that sparked interest in
many other scientists led to the development of two general approaches in
the synthesis of nanostructures; the bottom-up and the top-down
approaches. The concept of these two approaches is described in the
illustration.

Figure 7. 5. Two general approaches in nanostructure synthesis

(Source: Bayda et al., 2020)

The top-down approach involves the patterning of bulk materials either by

subtractive or additive methods to obtain nano-sized structures. To simply
analyze this approach, you can compare this with a lego that has been
formed already into a certain shape or object, and in different ways, you can
break it into smaller parts obtaining multiple and small different pieces of
different shapes and sizes that made up the whole structure. Methods using
these approaches include photolithography, scanning lithography, colloidal
lithography, laser machining, soft lithography, nano-contact printing,
nanosphere lithography, colloidal lithography, scanning probe lithography, ion
implantation, diffusion, and deposition (Kumar et al., 2018).

The Bottom-down approach, on the other hand, involves manufacturing or

fabricating nanostructure by building it from single atoms or molecules into
the desired nanostructure. Going back to our lego example, it is just the other
way around. From single small pieces into building the desired shape or
structure. New methods using this approach include plasma arcing, chemical
vapor deposition process, metal-organic decomposition, laser pyrolysis,
molecular beam epitaxy, sol-gel method, wet synthesis, and self-assembly
processes.

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GMOs gained advancements in many applications in food crops and

agriculture, improved nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and renewable resources. In
2018, a total of 70 countries adopted biotech crops through cultivation and
importation and the Philippines ranked 5th among top adopters in Asia-Pacific
(ISAAA, 2019). In this lesson, let us take a look at some of the products
brought about by these modern technologies and the extent of their potential
in various applications.

At the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Classify products developed using these technologies and
2. Analyze the role and impact of GMOs and nanotechnologies on the
socio-economic and environmental context

Have you ever wondered at some point whether we do or don’t

have enough resources? and how we manage in coping up with
certain challenges to sustain life?

Genetically Modified Organisms

The application of GMOs has made its way from the improvement of
agronomic traits to the development of sustainable renewable resources.
Among the ASEAN countries, the Philippines is the first to initiate a
biotechnology regulatory system. With this adoption, GMO products were
developed in the country and a transparent repository of information on the
status of applications, approval registry, and GM crop statistics is also made
available to the public ([Link]

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GM Corn

Most GM corn varieties are

made to resist pests and
the application of
herbicides. Bt-corn for one
is developed for control
against the Asiatic corn
borer. The mechanism
involves the production of
a protein specifically toxic
to corn borer pests but not
to humans, pets, livestock,
and other animals.

Figure 7. 6. Products of biotechnology at different waves

of technology
(Image source: (National Academy of Science and
Technology, 2009)

GM Rice
The GM crop is intended to address Vitamin A deficiency in the diet. It
contains beta-carotene that is converted into vitamin A essential for the body
and that gives the rice its golden color. PhilRice and IRRI have been
committed to carrying out the completion of Golden Rice development of
which field trials were completed in September and October 2019 (IRRI,
2018).

Figure 7. 7. Adoption of GM corn as of August 2019-February 2020 in the Philippines

(retrieved June 29, 2020, from [Link]
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Genetically modified crops are also grown and consumed in the United States
and these crops are said to make up a large percentage of the total volume of
the crop grown. The United States Food and Drug Administration
([Link] together with the Environmental Protection Agency
and the United States Department of Agriculture are three agencies that
regulate most GMOs. These crops include the following (FDA, March 2020)

GM Yellow summer squash

A genetically modified squash grown only in the United States that is

resistant to certain squash viruses.

GM Soybean

The GM soybean is produced for higher oil and protein content. Some GM
soybean varieties have been altered specifically for oil production and higher
production of oleic acid compared to conventional varieties. Most GM soy
varieties are used to feed mostly poultry and livestock. Other uses also
include processed food components like lecithin, emulsifiers, and proteins.

GM Cotton

Genetically modified cotton is pest resistant to the cotton bollworms which

allows higher yield of cotton. This provides dependable raw material sources
in textile industries. Other uses include cottonseed oil for packaged foods
and frying in restaurants and hulls for animal food.

GM Canola

Genetically modified Canola varieties for edible oil production have been
modified to be tolerant to specific herbicides under a defined crop
management plan. Canola seed meal is also used as food for animals.

GM Alfalfa

Genetically modified Alfalfa is mainly for cattle feed and mostly for dairy
cows. GM Alfalfa is resistant to herbicides. This allows farmers to protect
crops against destructive weeds competing with soil nutrients which could
reduce alfalfa production and the nutritional quality of the hay.

GM Papaya

This GM crop saved papaya farming in the Hawaiian Islands infected with
ringspot virus that almost wiped out their production. This was made to resist
the ringspot virus and was names Rainbow papaya.

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Aside from crops and vegetables, genetic modification has reached

ornamental applications and the production of specific proteins for renewable
resources.

GM Carnations

GM Carnations have been on the market since the mid-90s and claimed to be
the first GM flowers in the world. It was genetically modified to have mauve,
purple or violet-colored flowers (Australian Government, Department of
Health, n.d.).

Blue rose

In the breeding of ornamental plants, the flower color is one of the most
important traits in the floriculture industry. Blue roses are genetically
modified with a gene that stimulates blue pigments in pansies (Naonobu,
2018).

GM zebrafish

Transgenic zebrafish was developed by injecting genes for fluorescing

proteins from jellyfish and sea anemone to eggs of zebrafish. These
aquarium zebrafish were made in three different colors, red, orange, and
green, and said to be the first genetically modified animal to be sold as a pet
(National Academy of Science and Technology, 2009, p. 37).

The spider silk protein in goats

The transgenic production of silk proteins in mammary glands of some

animals and secreted into milk has been investigated. A goat has been
genetically modified to contain spider silk protein for possible silk production
along with its milk (Tokareva et al., 2013).

Nanotechnology innovations

GMOs are explored earlier than nanotechnology in the country. It was only in
2009 roadmap for nanotechnology that was drawn out and launched by the
Department of Science and Technology which recognized the post-industrial
technology in the country (DOST, 2009). This technology might still be young
but potential applications of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in the various
fields such as chemistry, computer science, biology and life science, and
physics have been explored and developed. The following are classifications
of nanomaterials that researchers and innovators use to create new
nanotechnologies and devices for many applications (Nagda et al., 2010)

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Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)

CNTs are cylindrical molecules that consist of hybridized carbon atoms in a
hexagonal arrangement which may be formed by rolling up a single sheet
(single-walled, SWCNTs) or multiple sheets (multi-walled, MWCNTs) of
graphene (Harik, 2018). Carbon nanotubes have potential applications in
polymer nanocomposites, water transport systems, electrochemical, and
biosensing (insert science direct ref). Anti-static packaging used to pack
electronic devices that are prone to electrostatic discharge damages have
already employed CNTs to control conductivity). Targeted tumors, a
biosensor for infections, and drug delivery are potential medical applications
that have been continuously explored (Reide, 2017).

Fullerenes
The buckminsterfullerene or “Buckyball” or as it is commonly called is the
most famous of all fullerene type of chemical compounds with sixty carbon
atoms that make up a soccer-ball-shaped molecule. This molecule is so
stable that it cannot break inside the body and are still excreted in its form.
This unique chemical property of fullerene made its way into cancer drug
delivery vehicles necessary to hold or deliver compounds used in the
treatment that are very dangerous to healthy and non-target cells.

Nanowire
Can you imagine a wire resting, attached, or wrapped around your hair that can
only be visible with a scanning electron microscope? Well, that is how you can
picture out nanowires. Nanowires are very tiny wires on the nanometer scale.
These tiny wires have a base made up of a semiconductor material such as
silicon or germanium (Elprocus, 2013). Applications of nanowires include the
detection of various biological agents such as proteins, DNA and RNA, and
viruses. At present, there have been continuous developments in research for
practical biomedical devices (Ambhorkar, et al., 2018).

Quantum Dots
Quantum dots are semiconductor crystals that luminescent or fluoresce
different wavelengths of radiation. The unique optical, electronic, and
photophysical properties, narrow emission spectra, and high photochemical
stability of quantum dots attract biological labeling, imaging, and detection
applications (Simon de Dios & Diaz-Garcia, 2010). These applications are not
only limited to clinical and medical studies such as early detection of cancer
cells but also processes in the living cells of biological environments as well
as applications in the energy industry.

Nanoshells
Nanoshells are another type of nanotechnology with a dielectric core of
hollow silica covered with thin metals usually in silver or gold. These
nanoshells coated or conjugated with any materials such as antibodies,
fluorophores, polymers, radioisotopes, or therapeutic agents among many
others allow a wide range of applications in biomedical imaging, target

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therapy, drug delivery, and many other therapeutic applications (Ahmadi &
Arami, 2014).

Nanocantilever
Nanocantilevers resemble that of a tiny diving board which is only anchored
only at one end made up of silicon. The changes in the resonant frequencies
or static deflection of the cantilever in response to the changes in its
environment allowed its exploitation as key components or parts in
nanomechanical sensors (Stachiv & Sittner, 2018). Nanocantilever was also
found to have potential in designing new ultra-small sensors for detecting
viruses, bacteria, and pathogens as this technology vibrate at different
frequencies in the presence of these biological molecules (Venere, August 28,
2006).

Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles (NPs) and/or nanomaterials are particles of high reactivity due
to higher surface area for their size. Several nanoparticles such as gold, silver,
and TiO2 among many others have been industrially and biologically
synthesized and exploited for potential uses in agriculture, medical,
environmental, and industrial applications. Some of these are even present in
some personal care products and other household items. However along with
these uses are also questions on toxicity and threats to the environment as
they can easily pass through membranes and barriers in humans, living, and
ecosystems (Mohamed & Paleologos, 2018).

Liposomes and Dendrimers

The biomolecules liposomes and dendrimers are also explored in
nanotechnology as nanocarriers. Liposomes are spherical vesicles formed
with at least one phospholipid bilayer. This structure is taken advantage on
the field of nanotechnology as it can be utilized to entrap or enclose
hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic materials among other bioactive
molecules, therefore, can be a vehicle for drug delivery. (Sebaaly et al., 2019).
Dendrimers, on the other hand, are more complex molecules that consist of
three major structural components; core, branches, and end groups. The
branches of these molecules are the most interesting of the structures as it
can be designed to carry chemical tools to bind to certain targets and at the
same time attach signaling molecules for detection and treatment of cancer
(Hassanzadeh et al., 2011).

Why do we utilize these methods?

Have you had doubts and reservations in trying something new? Maybe yes,
or maybe you are quite fearless but whichever it is, there is always that feeling
of uncertainty. One good timely example is the so-called “new normal” where
all of us had to seek and try new ways and methods to cope with unexpected
and unwanted turn of events like the CoViD-19 pandemic. But why do we have

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to employ new normal methods? Going back, why utilize modern technologies
when there are existing methods?

Conventional Vs. Modern Methods

It is important to note that these modern methods do not wish to replace the
traditional or conventional plant breeding and selection methods.
Conventional methods even are still the method of choice for other breeders.
Both methods share the same goal of addressing the constant need for food,
feed, fuel, fiber, and other commodities necessary for many applications.
However, since the modern method of genetic engineering allows the
targeting of specific genes and traits, it increases the effectiveness of
conventional plant breeding methods (Friedt & Ordon, 1996). Shown is a
diagram illustrating a simplified contrast between the two.

Figure 7. 8. Comparison between traditional and modern breeding methods.

Improved traits useful in various applications

Now, what are examples of the specific traits that have been selected, altered,
and incorporated into GMOs? These include;
• Insect resistance
• Herbicide resistance
• Virus resistance
• Delayed fruit ripening
• Altered oil content
• Pollen control
• Nutrition fortification
• Pest resistance
• Protein production
• Pigment or color change

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Socioeconomic impact of GMOs and nanotechnologies

Considering any of your answers to the previous questions, let us also

consider some facts and borrow some of the statistical data that also pave
the way to the development of these technologies.

Can it address food and nutrition security?

It is projected that by 2050, just 30 years from now, the global population
could reach between 9.7 billion and 10.9 in 2100 (United Nations, 2019). The
need to match the rate of this increase with the yield of staple crops for food
and feed is a challenge that experts believe production would have to be
doubled by 2050. FAO data even considered a 60% conservative estimate
globally but 77% in the developing economies. Also, a factor in this existing
challenge is the finite amount of land available for agriculture (Oliver, 2014).
Have you noticed some conversion of agricultural lands to an industrial or
commercial site lately in your respective communities? This is also another
factor in the diminishing resources that need to be addressed through
modern technologies in many fields. Now, this is where the method of genetic
modification along with conventional methods of breeding comes into play.
The continued efforts of modern methods for the critical goal of achieving
sustainable global food security. The improved nutrient traits of staples also
address nutrient deficiency that causes common malnutrition mostly in
younger populations.

Did it increase the yield and income of farmers?

Like any other superheroes, farmers and field workers both big and small
scale is also on a battle against villains on their respective fields. Insect and
pest infestations, teeming viruses and diseases in crops are both known and
unknown, and of course the changing climate are some of these challenges.
In a comprehensive meta-analysis of 147 published biotech crop studies,
there is a 68% increase in farmer profits. From only 1.7 million ha in 1996 to
18.15 million ha of GMO crops grown in 28 countries in 2014. This, in turn,
increases the adoption of the technology reaching up to 14.8 million farmers
in China and India in this meta-analysis (FAO, 2017). Not only this would
affect farmers but also global production thus the global economy in general.

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Figure 7. 9. Global map of biotech countries and mega countries in 2014

(Source: [Link], downloadable presentation: -double-helix-25-years-of-biosafety-
regulation-in- the-Philippines- slide 19 of 23)

Did it improve and extend knowledge?

Certainly yes, the constant need to improve yield and crop production entails
constant learning of new practices, new methods for quality seeds and
planting materials as well as new technologies for adoption. The transfer of
these technologies from developers to the end-users is an avenue for the
improvement of existing knowledge and experiences. Let’s take for example
after the release of GM Maize in the Philippines. In the second round of
survey in 2011-2012, not only that GMO adopter has a larger income per
hectare than the hybrid but also it was found out that male heads of the
family or households were more exposed to farmers' training and
demonstrations. Farms with male heads also used more of these inputs
compared to their female counterparts (Falck, n.d, p. slide 18).

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The rise of technologies and great advancements is always coupled with

uncertainties and issues not only because of its newness or because it may
sound impossible but also because it might also affect other aspects may it be
social rights, safety, environment, society, health, or life itself. In this lesson, we
are going to discuss issues and social concern raised against GMOs and at the
same learn how these issues are being reconciled with

At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Appreciate the vital part of the government in policymaking and

regulation for biosafety
2. Articulate the issues and ethical concerns raised against genetically
modified organisms and nanotechnology

How did the quarantine period impose by the government during

this pandemic went for you? What do you think is the role of the
government in response to emerging technologies?

Issues and Concerns

Along the process of accepting, adopting, developing, and utilizing this

technology, there has been a lot of controversial debates and arguments
among anti-GMO groups and other health and environmental advocates.
Major concerns of health and safety were raised along with the continued
efforts of stakeholders for a positive understanding, perception, and attitude
towards biotechnology. This is not only true in the country but also in other
countries most especially where adoption and development in the field are
fast-paced. Maghari and Ardekani (2011) pointed out the following concerns
in a review article:

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Genetic Engineering Techniques

This concern is conceived from the idea of recent studies on higher

eukaryotic cells that have shown the interaction of genes and even proteins
implying that gene traits work in the cell by inter-communication. This
suggests that one gene might not determine one trait. Moreover, genes
incorporated into the genome could reside anywhere carrying mutations, and
the fear that vectors might contain several other elements that might be a
factor in the process.

Health Risks

Groups and individuals who are against genetically modified foods and crops
always point out the possibility of risks to human and animal health. It is
pointed out that animals fed by the crops have been harmed or even died.
Young abnormal sperm count in rats, abortion, and infertility in livestock
grazing on some GE maize and corn have been reported. However, these
studies became controversial as the same studies conducted by independent
companies did not yield the same results. Foodborne allergies are said to
have increased over the past 10 years in the USA and UK and skin allergies
were reported in India for some cotton farmers. Concerned individuals
suggest essential thorough safety and long-term effect studies of GM crops
before its release.

GMOs and human rights

The right of consumers to make an informed choice derived from the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights along with other important human
rights not included in this declaration; the right to adequate food and
democratic participation are also considered to be relevant in the analyses of
GMOs (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2001). As
some countries are making stringent regulations, other countries are
producing large volumes of GE foods but are lenient on labeling. This issue
does not suggest negative labeling like “GM-free” but more specifically
labeled information on its changed characteristics and the external source of
the inserted gene.

Occupational Exposure

This issue is more concerned with nanotechnology and the exposure of

workers on the field to nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Because there is
always a goal for occupational safety in the workplace, the lack of scientific
clarity or certainty of the potential toxicological effects of nanomaterials and
nanoparticles on health is also being raised. The worker’s acceptance of the
risk should also go beyond just the free choice of the worker in terms of work
and working conditions but also must consider the certainty and severity of
such risks (Schulte & Salamanca-Buentello, 2006). Yes, there are always
health hazards anywhere, even in our respective homes and schools but this
issue would suggest regulatory action required to cover the risks and its
extent.

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Policy and Regulation

All of the issues and concerns among others fueled GMO debates that have
been going on for years. Considering all these notions and arguments led to
the drafting of biosafety guidelines in carrying such experiments until the final
formulation of protocol and framework ordered under the mandate of
specialized committees and governing bodies of which will be discussed
further in this lesson.
As for nanotechnology, it is only in 2009 that the National Nanotechnology
Roadmap recognizing the post-industrial technology in the country was
launched by the Department of Science and Technology attached to the
Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and
Development. Thus, there are no available control mechanisms or regulatory
standards specific to nanomaterials yet. However, this does not mean that
the country does not have existing guidelines on new technologies. As early
as the ’90s, the country already started a regulatory framework for
biotechnology and specific guidelines in the following years.
In this lesson, we will consider the Biosafety Regulations in the Philippine. As
such, the following topics and sections are extensively referenced from the
National Biosafety Framework. ([Link]

National Biosafety Framework (NBF)

The “National Biosafety Framework (NBF)” is a combination of policy, legal,

administrative and technical instruments developed to attain the objective of
the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety with NCBP as its lead body. The
Cartagena Protocol covers “the transboundary movement, transit, handling and
use of all living modified organisms that may have adverse effects on the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into
account risks to human health” (National Academy of Science and Technology,
2009, p. 31)

How do government agencies play their part in this framework?

National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines

Originally issued under E.O 430 issued by Pres. Corazon Aquino in the year
1990. Among its mandates are; the identification and evaluation of potential
hazards in GE experiments, formulation and review of national policies on
biosafety and guidelines in risk assessment, and recommend development and
promotion of research programs to establish risk assessment protocols and
assessment of long-term effects of bioresearch. NCBF became the lead body
with the new National Biosafety Framework (NBF), promulgated under E.O 514
prescribing the guidelines for its implementation, strengthening the National
Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines. The NCBF with other agencies shall
lead in the mandate (National Academy of Science and Technology, 2009, pp.
42-34)

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Department of Science and Technology

The DOST, as the premiere S & T body in the country, shall lead in ensuring that
the best available science is used and applied in the adoption of biosafety
policies, measures, and guidelines, and in making biosafety decisions. DOST
shall be in charge of evaluating and monitoring regulated articles for contained
use.

Department of Agriculture

The DA, as the agency primarily responsible for the promotion of agricultural
development growth and rural development to ensure food security and
contribute to poverty alleviation, shall be in charge of addressing biosafety
issues related to the country’s agricultural productivity and food security. It
shall take the lead in evaluating and monitoring plant and plant products
derived from the use of modern biotechnology, as provided by DA AO No. 8,
series of 2002.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The DENR, as the agency primarily responsible for the conservation,

management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and
natural resources, shall ensure that environmental assessments are done and
impacts identified in biosafety decisions. It shall also be in charge of evaluating
and monitoring regulated articles intended for bioremediation, the
improvement of forest and wildlife genetic resources.

Department of Health

As the principal authority on health, the DOH shall formulate guidelines in

assessing impacts on health posed by modern biotechnology and its
applications. It shall be in charge of evaluating and monitoring processed food
derived from or containing GMOs.

Department of Foreign Affairs

The DFA shall participate in promoting and protecting Philippine interests on

biosafety in bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums.

Department of Trade and Industry

The agency shall participate in relation to biosafety decisions which have an

impact on trade, intellectual property rights, investments, and consumer
welfare and protection.

National Commission on Indigenous People

The agency shall participate in relation to biosafety decisions which have a

specific impact on indigenous peoples and communities

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Department of Interior and Local Government shall participate

The agency shall participate in relation to biosafety decisions which have an

impact on the autonomy of local government units.

Institutional Biosafety Committee

IBCs are required to be established in institutions involved in genetic

engineering and/or hazardous biological work and are tasked to evaluate and
monitor the biosafety aspects of their biological research.

Biosafety Guidelines

It is in the biosafety framework where the detailed guidelines on carrying out

experiments involving GE are carefully laid out. From the submission and
review of research proposals, biosafety proposals, and on-site inspection of
experiments and trials as well as community participation up to
commercialization, these activities are made sure to have followed every
detail. We will not discuss every detail or each guideline however we will try to
understand its purpose (National Academy of Science and Technology, 2009,
pp. 18-19).

Guidelines for Contained Facility Test

This refers to the guidelines set for contained use that refers to any operation,
undertaken within a facility, installation, or other physical structures, which
involves genetically modified organisms that are controlled by specific
measures that effectively limit their contact with and their impact on the
external environment.

Guidelines for Field Tests

This refers to the guidelines set to any intentional introduction into the
environment of a regulated article that passed the contained use and confined
test for the purpose of research and development and for which specific
confinement and mitigating measures may be imposed. Field trials may be
conducted on single or multiple sites.

Guideline for Commercialization

This refers to guidelines set for the commercial propagation defined as the
delivery for introduction into commerce of a regulated article for regeneration
into plants or plant products for consumption by humans or animals.

Decision-Making Process

When we make decisions and life choices, we just don’t decide for no reason.
Those choices were made because of reasons even the slightest “because I
want to”, are aligned by our principles. The same goes for this biosafety
framework that stipulated the principles that must govern the decision-
making process. Because relevant decisions must be built on strong
foundations considering the proper exercise and execution of human rights,
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the following decision-making principles must govern biosafety decisions

(National Academy of Science and Technology, 2009, pp. 40-41):

Standard of Precaution

In accordance with Article 10 (par. 6) and Article 11 (par. 8) of the Cartagena

Protocol on Biosafety, the lack of scientific certainty or consensus due to
insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge regarding the extent
of the potential adverse effects of a genetically modified organism on the
environment shall not prevent government departments and agencies from
taking the appropriate decision to avoid or minimize potential or adverse
effects.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment shall be mandatory and central in making biosafety

decisions. It shall identify and evaluate the risks to human health and the
environment, and if applicable, to animal health.

Role of Environmental Impact Assessment

The application of Environmental Impact Assessment to biosafety decisions

shall be determined by concerned departments and agencies subject to the
requirements of law and standards set by the NCBP. Where applicable and
under the coordination of the NCBP, concerned departments and agencies
shall issue joint guidelines on the matter.

Socio-economic, Ethical, Cultural and Other Considerations

Consistent with Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol, concerned departments

and agencies may consider socio-economic considerations arising from the
impact of regulated articles on the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity, especially with regard to the value of biological diversity to
indigenous and local communities.

Decisions under the Cartagena Protocol

Competent national authorities may choose to adopt Articles 7 to 13 of the

Cartagena Protocol or issue their own respective rules and regulations that are
consistent with the Protocol. In all cases, decisions under the NBF shall fall
within the timeframes required under the Cartagena Protocol.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Concerned departments and agencies shall monitor compliance with the

conditions attached to approvals and authorizations in a manner that is
transparent, and in coordination with other agencies, including local
government units, and other stakeholders.

You’ve finally reached the end of the module on GMOs and nanotech. But
before you go and proceed on to another interesting topic, let me quote an

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excerpt from a message of a former NCBP Chairperson Dr. Estrella F.

Alabastro which states “for it is imperative that as scientific horizons expand,
so too must the ethical and social dimensions that govern them”

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