Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

A GMO is a living organism (plant, animal, or microorganism) that has been altered using biotechnology to change its fundamental characteristics.
Biotechnology techniques include using synthetic genetic sequences to change the organism's genetic material or combining unrelated organisms.

Corn containing bacterial genes that produce an insecticide
Fast-growing Atlantic salmon with genes from a Chinook salmon and an ocean pout
Soybeans with edited genes that increase the amount of oleic acid
Hens with an inserted lethality gene that can kill their male offspring before they hatch

Executive Order No. 430 (1990): established the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) to ensure safe use of biotechnology, emphasizing risk assessment and management.
Executive Order No. 514 (2006): updated the biosafety framework to align with international standards, establishing additional committees and strengthening the NCBP's responsibilities.
Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8 (2002): provides guidelines for GMOs in agriculture, including importation, testing, and release procedures, and environmental and health impact studies.
Joint Department Circular No. 1 Series of 2016: provides detailed guidelines for GMO research, development, handling, and use, emphasizing transparency and public involvement.
Biosafety Guidelines on the Planned Release of Genetically Modified Organisms (2020): details the process for field testing and commercial release of GMOs, including thorough scientific evaluations and stakeholder engagement.

USDA: regulates GMOs involving plants, including field trials, commercialization, and labeling requirements.
FDA: regulates GMOs intended for human and animal consumption, ensuring safety and proper labeling.
EPA: regulates GMOs involving pesticides or plants modified to produce pesticides, assessing environmental safety and impact.

Safety Assessments: developers must conduct safety assessments to demonstrate the genetically modified product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Voluntary Consultation: FDA encourages developers to participate in a voluntary consultation process before marketing genetically engineered plants.
Labeling: labeling of GMO foods is required if they differ significantly from conventional counterparts.
Field Trials: USDA oversees field trials to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent environmental impacts.

Safety concerns: believed to be not safe for consumption, with potential health risks and environmental impacts.
Philippine issue: golden rice.
Study on rats eating genetically modified foods led to tumors.

Pharmacy: pharmaceutical products include recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, injectable insulin, and factor VIII.
Nursing: nurses play a vital role in educating the public about genetically engineered foods and their potential health implications.

GMOs are a focal point in Science and Technology Studies, intersecting science, health, and politics.
Scientifically, GMOs promise enhanced agricultural efficiency and resilience.
Health debates pivot on safety, with numerous studies confirming their safety while public skepticism persists.
Politically, GMOs incite regulatory and ethical discussions, often reflecting broader societal values and power dynamics.

A GMO is a living organism (plant, animal, or microorganism) that has been altered using biotechnology to change its fundamental characteristics.
Biotechnology techniques include using synthetic genetic sequences to change the organism's genetic material or combining unrelated organisms.

Corn containing bacterial genes that produce an insecticide
Fast-growing Atlantic salmon with genes from a Chinook salmon and an ocean pout
Soybeans with edited genes that increase the amount of oleic acid
Hens with an inserted lethality gene that can kill their male offspring before they hatch

Executive Order No. 430 (1990): established the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) to ensure safe use of biotechnology, emphasizing risk assessment and management.
Executive Order No. 514 (2006): updated the biosafety framework to align with international standards, establishing additional committees and strengthening the NCBP's responsibilities.
Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8 (2002): provides guidelines for GMOs in agriculture, including importation, testing, and release procedures, and environmental and health impact studies.
Joint Department Circular No. 1 Series of 2016: provides detailed guidelines for GMO research, development, handling, and use, emphasizing transparency and public involvement.
Biosafety Guidelines on the Planned Release of Genetically Modified Organisms (2020): details the process for field testing and commercial release of GMOs, including thorough scientific evaluations and stakeholder engagement.

USDA: regulates GMOs involving plants, including field trials, commercialization, and labeling requirements.
FDA: regulates GMOs intended for human and animal consumption, ensuring safety and proper labeling.
EPA: regulates GMOs involving pesticides or plants modified to produce pesticides, assessing environmental safety and impact.

Safety Assessments: developers must conduct safety assessments to demonstrate the genetically modified product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Voluntary Consultation: FDA encourages developers to participate in a voluntary consultation process before marketing genetically engineered plants.
Labeling: labeling of GMO foods is required if they differ significantly from conventional counterparts.
Field Trials: USDA oversees field trials to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent environmental impacts.

Safety concerns: believed to be not safe for consumption, with potential health risks and environmental impacts.
Philippine issue: golden rice.
Study on rats eating genetically modified foods led to tumors.

Pharmacy: pharmaceutical products include recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, injectable insulin, and factor VIII.
Nursing: nurses play a vital role in educating the public about genetically engineered foods and their potential health implications.

GMOs are a focal point in Science and Technology Studies, intersecting science, health, and politics.
Scientifically, GMOs promise enhanced agricultural efficiency and resilience.
Health debates pivot on safety, with numerous studies confirming their safety while public skepticism persists.
Politically, GMOs incite regulatory and ethical discussions, often reflecting broader societal values and power dynamics.