From the time of then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos up to the present administration, the government has clearly shown its consistent policy, showing support for the continued research, development, application and regulation of modern biotechnology in the Philippines.

1960s-70s Propagation technique using embryo rescue for mutant makapuno coconut was developed at University of the Philippines – Los Baños College of Agriculture. In the 70s, micropropagation and embryo rescue techniques for orchids were also developed. Similar techniques for banana varieties were also developed by the UP Los Baños Institute for Plant Breeding.

1979 BIOTECH in University of the Philippines – Los Baños, now called the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, was established through a Presidential Decree. It was the first biotechnology R&D institute in the Philippines.

1986-1992 DOST marked biotechnology as a flagship of high-end technologies, recognizing it as a “strategic tool for achieving sustained economic development”

1990 In recognition of the importance of ensuring the safe application of modern biotechnology, then Pres. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 430, creating the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP). The Committee is responsible for regulating the importation, transfer, research and development, and use of genetically modified organisms and potentially harmful exotic species in the country.

1990s The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) in UP Los Baños and PhilRice developed marker technologies that are useful in crop improvement.

1992-1998 During the term of then President Fidel Ramos, Biotechnology remained as a major program of DOST’s Science and Technology Program.

1992 The Seed Industry Development Act of 1992 mandated IPB to lead in plant biotechnology activities.

1995 President Ramos created the National Biotechnology Network under the University of the Philippines System.

1997 The 5-year Crop Biotechnology Program was approved by Pres. Ramos, with first year budget of PhP 65M.

1997 The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) was passed and signed into law by then Pres. Ramos. It was the first national modern R&D program in agriculture. The Act holds specific provisions for a biotechnology program and a mandated budgetary allocation.

1997-1998 IPB developed facilities and manpower for cloning plant genes and transformation.

1999 With NCBP oversight, Monsanto Philippines. conducted first field-testing of Bt corn in South Cotabato.

2000 Former Pres. Estrada approved institutionalization of biotechnology in government programs.

2000 Papaya transgenic plantlets at IPB; PhilRice conducted screenhouse testing of XA-21 rice, which is resistant to bacterial blight.

2001 Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo signed a national policy statement on modern biotechnology for national development, stating “We shall promote the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of the means to achieve food security, equal access to health services, a sustainable and safe environment, and industry development.”

2001 Monsanto Philippines and Pioneer-HiBred conducted multilocational field trial of Bt corn.

2002 Issuance of Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8 “Rules and Regulations on the Importation and Release Into the Environment of Plants and Plant Products Derived From the Use of Modern Biotechnology” – a science-based biosafety measure that ensures the integrity of human and animal health, and the environment.

2002 Bureau of Plant Industry Director approved commercial scale planting of the field-tested Bt corn.