PHL DOST Biosafety Committee Members Visit Brazil for Study Tour
The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia headed by Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos was host to the Philippine Delegation of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Biosafety Committee members for a Study Visit in Brasilia and Sao Paolo from July 25 to August 02.
The study visit in Brasilia comprised of visits to the Comissao Tecnica National de Biosseguranca (CTNBio), the National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, EMBRAPA, and field tour of Du Pont´s industrial plants seed production in the State of Goias (near the capital Brasilia). The delegation also visited Sao Paolo, the country’s industrial capital for an orientation and lecture on hybrid sugarcane at the Centro Tecnologia Canavieira (CTC) in Campinas followed by a plant tour of Amyris’ Bioenergy Plant in Brotas, Campinas, Sao Paolo.
The delegation which was composed of Dr. Flerida A. Carino, Dr. Leonardo A. Gonzales, and Dr. Julieta Fe L. Estacio of the DOST’s Biosafety Committee provided the members with firsthand knowledge and experience in the latest advance technologies in agriculture specifically in sugarcane, rice, other cash crops, livestock, cattle, hogs, and poultry. It also gave resource information and inspiration on the valuable sugarcane resource such as bagasse (other than sugar and ethanol) in power generation and the valuable substance, patchouli, which is extracted from sugarcane used in the manufacture of cosmetics.
These and other added experiences of the visit gave the DOST delegates with a lot to ponder on towards the Philippines’ development of its sugarcane and other agricultural crops high-yield, high disease-resistant varieties including advance technologies in livestock and poultry raising. The visit also enhanced information on the Philippines’ search for a more viable energy mix using bio-energy and ethanol. The group of Philippine experts’ visit to Brazil also strengthened Brazil’s international image of helping developing countries like the Philippines in generously sharing its knowledge and successful experiences not only in agriculture and bio-energy generation but also help in the government´s fight against hunger and extreme poverty.
During the visit, the Philippine Ambassador to Brazil was accompanied by his wife, Dra. Blesilda Mansilla -Burgos, Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela, Mr. Jose Antonio M. Bea, and Ms. Rosa Maria F. Candido.
Source: www.dfa.gov.ph Date accessed: 18 August 2015
