SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center's (SEARCA BIC) fifth policy brief,
which is based on a study authored by Dr. Maria Monina Cecilia A. Villena,
Program Head of SEARCA's Knowledge Management Department, explores how the
public makes sense of message frames (i.e., key messages or story lines
grouped together in support of a particular message) used by the government
when disseminating information about genetic modification or biotechnology.
It also explores how farmer leaders and traders understand the scientific
information about genetically modified (GM) crops, and how they use message
frames to enable them to participate in social discourses on crop
biotechnology.

Results of the study suggest that although biotechnology adoption is
considered a significant component in promoting agricultural development in
the Philippines, there are still communication gaps that can be addressed
through the different communication channels involved in numerous advocacy
efforts. Accordingly, future science communication efforts need to be based
on a clear and precise understanding of the audience's values, knowledge,
and attitudes in relation to their respective interpersonal and social
contexts. Dr. Villena concluded that it is also essential for the general
public to develop a solid foundation for the understanding and appreciation
of science.

The 2018 Policy Brief series is produced in partnership with the
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (
[www.isaaa.org] ISAAA), Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in
the Philippines (CAMP), Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program
Office (DA-BPO), Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS), and DA-Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR).

[bic.searca.org]
d-social-discourses-on-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/