The Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program, in cooperation with the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), has developed a General Education Biotechnology Course Syllabus for state colleges and universities.

Dr. Cynthia R. Hedreyda, the NIMBB director who spearheaded the course project in 2008, said the Biotechnology course syllabus aims to prepare participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) to institute a general education biotechnology course for in order to boost biotechnology education and awareness in the country.

Hedreyda noted that biotechnology education in the country is disseminated primarily through workshops and symposia conducted by scientists, people from the academe, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

These attempts, are, however, not sufficient to propagate knowledge about the benefits derived from modern biotechnology, particularly its agricultural products.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap justified the introduction of the biotechnology course in this wise, saying “one of the many initiatives that we are undertaking to vigorously promote the safe and responsible use of biotechnology is its inclusion in the college curriculum, initially in 16 selected state universities and colleges.”

He added, “our aim is to equip Filipino teachers, students and other interested individuals with the basic knowledge, and enable them to make informed decisions on biotechnology products and latest breakthroughs and developments, and related issues on human health, and the environment, and ethical concerns. Further, through this initiative we hope to encourage more Filipino youth to pursue a career in the field of biotechnology, either as researchers and scientists or entrepreneurs.”