The BCP, a non-stock, non-profit membership association duly registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, is a broad-based multi-sectoral coalition of advocates for the safe and responsible use and advancement of modern biotech in the Philippines. Our members are representatives from academe, the science community, farmers’ organizations, industries, church, media and other civil society organizations.
History
The Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines was officially launched in April 2001, but it was since 1997 that its predecessor, the Biotechnology Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI) existed.
BAPI was organized in 1997 under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to improve the commercial capacity of biotechnology-based products. Since then, BAPI has collaborated with DTI for a productivity mission on biotechnology to Singapore, organized an international technomart to facilitate biotechnology transfer to the Philippines and held six local symposia on biotechnology.
In the early part of year 2001, BAPI officers and members discussed the need to expand the Association to include and give significance to membership from the agricultural biotechnology sector.
Thus, the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines was born.
Principles
The BCP believes in the following underlying principles:
PRINCIPLE 1.
The only worthwhile science and technology is one founded on and spurred by the pursuit of public interest.
PRINCIPLE 2.
Advancement in the field of biotechnology has presented new opportunities and potentials that the country can harness to achieve its national development goals.
PRINCIPLE 3.
The national policy and regulatory framework for biotechnology should be rational, objective, transparent and scientific. It must be responsive and beneficial to the growth requirements of various sectors in society.
PRINCIPLE 4.
The full potential of modern biotechnology can only be realized through:
- Sufficient public and private monies for research and development;
- An enlightened public support;
- Adequate protection for intellectual property rights;
- A dynamic exchange of information and ideas from within and among the State, science community, and the general public;
- Technology transfer to the private sector and target beneficiaries;
- Accessibility and availability of products especially to the marginalized sectors; and’
- Appropriate policy support.
BCP BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
DR. SATURNINA HALOS, Chairman of the Board and President
DR. NINA GLORIANI
DR. RHODORA ALDEMITA
MS. ROSALIE ELLASUS
DR. ANTONIO LAURENA
DR. EVELYN MAE TECSON-MENDOZA
DR. REYNANTE ORDONIO
MR. EDWIN PARALUMAN
DR. HELEN RAMOS
MS. ANGELINA RESURRECCION
DR. ABRAHAM MANALO, Executive Secretary
BOARD OF ADVISORS:
MR. SENEN BACANI
DR. EMIL JAVIER
PROF. SOLITA MONSOD
DR. BENIGNO PECZON
BISHOP JESUS VARELA †