DOH Leads National Biotechnology Week Celebration

The Department of Health (DOH) today led other government agencies and non-government agencies in opening the month-long celebration of the National Biotechnology Week (NBW).

“The use of biotechnology contributes immensely in saving the lives of our people and ushers innovative improvement to our healthcare,” Health Undersecretary Enrique Domingo mentioned as he led the NBW soft launch and opening of the exhibits. “The DOH wants to emphasize, promote, and advance the use of biotechnology in health and in saving lives,” Undersecretary Domingo added.

The 15th NBW will be celebrated this November 25-29, 2019. Through the years, this national event focused on increasing awareness on the use of biotechnology to improve the lives of the Filipino people.

This year, through the chairmanship of the DOH, the role of biotechnology in Universal Health Care is highlighted with the theme: “Biotek: Makabagong Solusyon sa Kalusugan.” The theme recognizes the growing health needs of the Filipino people and the potential of biotechnology to address these needs.

Biotechnology is the term given to those technologies which involve the application of biological organisms or their components, systems or processes to manufacture, modify and/or improve products or processes.

“The Filipinos’ right to health calls for the right to correct information. Hence, this year’s activities for the NBW will focus on dissemination of qualified and correct information regarding vaccines and new biotechnology products, and ensuring that the message gets across to the Filipino public,” Undersecretary Domingo concluded.

The NBW poster exhibit, on display at the Atrium of the National Kidney & Transplant Institute (NKTI) until November 22, is a joint endeavor of the DOH (Food & Drug Administration, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and NKTI), Department of Agriculture, Department of Science & Technology, Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade & Industry, Department of Interior & Local Government, and the Commission on Higher Education. The best entry will be chosen by Kabayan Partylist Representative Ron Salo, Agham Partylist Representative Angelo Palmones, and DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Annabelle Villalobos.  (DOH PR)