he Philippines remain as Asia's biotechnology leader, according to the USDA
Foreign Agricultural Service-Global Agricultural Information Network Report
on agricultural biotechnology. The Philippines is the first Asian country to
allow the planting of GM crop and is moving towards developing a regulatory
framework for GE animals. In 2016, the original GE plant regulations
(Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8) was changed to the
Joint Department Circular (JDC), which led to the slow processing of
biosafety applications. According to the GAIN report, such delay in
approvals may affect U.S. trade as well as the country's biotech leadership
status in the region.

House Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin called for the passing of House Bill 7926
or the Modern Biotechnology Act of 2018, which promoted the safe and
responsible use of modern biotech and for the establishment of the
Biotechnology Authority of the Philippines that will serve as the
policy-making body on biotech in the country.

[gain.fas.usda.gov]
hnology%20Annual_Manila_Philippines_10-24-2018.pdf