The Department of Agriculture–Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA–LBC) recently participated in National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2025, a pivotal three-day event held from October 28-30 in Malate, Manila.
Centered on the theme “#gAInBiotech: Growing AI, Nurturing Biotechnology,” the event united leaders across government sectors to explore a critical question: How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology converge to create tangible social impact? The consensus was clear: these powerful tools are essential for building a more resilient, secure, and sustainable Philippines.
Setting the Stage: A Human-Centric Vision
The program opened with a strong focus on people. Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), including Assistant Secretary Janir T. Datukan and OIC Undersecretary Carmela C. Oracion, emphasized that AI should support human work, not replace it.
They outlined how the synergy between AI and biotechnology can solve real-world problems—from creating more engaging classrooms to enhancing health, food security, and climate readiness so students not only learn science but also apply it.
Core Applications: Food, Environment, and Health
Leaders from the frontline departments showcased the practical social impact of these technologies.
- Food Security: Director Paul C. Limson of the DA Biotechnology Program Office connected the theme to vital tools for farmers, such as data-driven weather planning, yield improvement, and decision support.
- Environmental Protection: The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, represented by Assistant Director Conrado B. Marquez, noted that AI is accelerating conservation efforts. It now provides faster, clearer insights for managing forests, watersheds, and biodiversity.
- Public Health: Department of Health Undersecretary Farwa M. Hombre affirmed the role of AI in speeding up research, diagnosis, and treatment. She highlighted the potential for more personalized care and new therapies through government, academic, and industry collaboration.
Building the Framework: Governance, Talent, and ‘Science People Can Feel’
Beyond specific applications, the discussion focused on building a robust framework for implementation.
Assistant Secretary Elizabeth N. Lopez-De Leon (Department of the Interior and Local Government) stressed how these tools can improve local governance, planning, and transparency, emphasizing accountability and inclusion.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis underlined the critical role of universities in building the talent pipeline for this new AI-biotech space.
Finally, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. provided a powerful closing message. He aligned NBW 2025 with a global movement, reminding participants that biotechnology must lead to “agham na ramdam”—science that people can feel in their daily lives. [SUGGESTION: Add an external link here to the DOST’s ‘Agham na Ramdam’ initiative or a related press release.]
The Path Forward: Biotechnology for Every Filipino
The Livestock Biotechnology Center’s participation in National Biotechnology Week 2025 underscores our commitment to this shared vision. The insights from NBW 2025 are clear: the integration of Artificial Intelligence and biotechnology is no longer a future concept but a present-day strategy.
From the farm to the city, the collective goal is to harness these tools responsibly, creating practical, climate-smart, and farmer-friendly solutions that deliver tangible social impact and improve the daily lives of all Filipinos.