The Philippine Genome Center was one of the exhibitors during the 13th National Biotechnology Week held last November 20-24, 2017 at the Fisher mall Expo hall, Quezon City. The 5-day exhibit is organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the elected chair for this year. The event’s central theme and tagline is “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan, at Kaunlaran. Lamang ang masa at magsasaka sa limang K ng Bioteknolohiya”.
Some of the activities during the exhibit were forums on health, biotechnology, and agriculture; there was also a career talk, a film-showing, and a science journalism workshop. Participating agencies include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
PGC’s booth highlighted its core facility for DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics (DSBF) with reference materials about the center’s mandate and services displayed on posters and interactive screens.
Attendees were able to go around the exhibit, interact, and learn about local biotechnology products currently being developed and some that are already available in the market.
The celebration of National Biotechnology Week is an annual affair organized by an Inter-Agency committee comprised of the DA, DepEd, DENR, DOH, DILG, DOST, and DTI. With its primary goal to emphasize the significance of biotechnology and its applications for food security, health services, sustainable environment, and industry development.
