DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo (4th from left) is joined by DENR Undersecretary Atty. Jonas R. Leones (leftmost), Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Regulations Atty. Paz Benavidez II (3rd from left), PCHRD Executive Director and NCBP Chairman Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (rightmost)  and other representatives from the departments of health, trade and industry, local government, and foreign affairs as they renew their respective agencies’ commitment for a harmonized effort in ensuring the safe and responsible use of biotechnology products. Photo taken during the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines’ 25th year anniversary held October 27, 2015 at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City. (Text by Maria Judith L. Sablan, Photo by Gerry Palad, S&T Media Service)


DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo signs the renewal of commitment by agency members of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) during its 25th year anniversary held October 27, 2015 at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City. DOST heads NCBP, the lead authority in developing policy guidelines and other significant protocols that promote and ensure biosafety in the country including safe and responsible use of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. In line are DENR Undersecretary Atty. Jonas R. Leones (extreme right) and PCHRD Executive Director and NCBP Chairman Dr. Jaime C. Montoya. (Text by Maria Judith L. Sablan, Photo by Gerry Palad, S&T Media Service)


National Scientists Dolores A. Ramirez (third from left) and Ricardo Lantican (second from right) together with DOST former Secretary Dr. Estrella Alabastro (second from left) and Dr. Amelia Ancog (third from right) were conferred Service Awards by the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines during its 25th year anniversary on October 2, 2015 at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City. With them are DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Amelia Guevara (leftmost) and PCHRD Executive Director and NCBP Chairman Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (rightmost). The awardees were recognized for their significant contribution to the establishment of biosafety policy guidelines in the country through NCBP. DOST heads NCBP, a multi-agency authority in crafting policy guidelines and other significant protocols that promote and ensure biosafety in the country including safe and responsible use of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. (Text by Maria Judith L. Sablan, Photo by Gerry Palad, S&T Media Service)