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Biotech Updates

Camp Helix Strengthens Interest in Agri-biotech Among SHS Learners and Teachers

July 15, 2026

Senior high school (SHS) learners from San Jose City National High School (SJCNHS) participate in the question-and-answer session during the Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for SHS Learners and Teachers, held on July 15-16, 2026, at the Department of Agriculture-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) at PhilRice in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. (Photo by Ajay Matias, SJCNHS-SHS)

ISAAA Inc. organized a two-day event titled Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for SHS Learners and Teachers on July 15-16, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Department of Agriculture-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), PhilRice, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Thirty-five (35) participants from San Jose City National High School-Senior High School, San Sebastian School Incorporated, and Sto. Domingo National Trade School have participated in the boot camp, providing an immersive learning activity to spark curiosity and strengthen competencies in agriculture and biotechnology.

“This boot camp is designed as a specialized and enjoyable learning experience to increase knowledge and appreciation of modern biotechnology tools and applications,” said Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc. According to Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Research at DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), the way teachers impart knowledge about agriculture matters. “The world's biggest challenges need science and biotechnology, and they need people like you to solve them,” he added.

The boot camp featured lectures on an introduction to biotechnology by Dr. Antonio Alfonso of Corteva Agriscience; conventional biotechnology by Dr. Jerwin Undan of Central Luzon State University (CLSU); genetically modified (GM) crops and gene editing in crops by Dr. Reynante Ordonio of DA-CBC; GM and gene editing in animals by Ms. Faith Loraine T. Magbanua of DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center (DA-FBC); and science communication by Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV of the DA-PhilRice. The participants also took part in educational tours at the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory, the Genome Engineering Laboratory, the PhilRice Gene Bank, Transgenic Field, the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) National Livestock Cryobank, and the PCC National Genepool, as well as a hands-on DNA extraction activity at DA-CBC.

Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc., hoped that the two-day boot camp improved the participants' understanding and perception of biotechnology. “Your thorough understanding of biotechnology at a young age is significantly important to improve our country. Maybe in the future, your research outputs will improve our agricultural products, making them more profitable and providing a nutritious and bountiful harvest for everyone,” Dr. Aldemita said.

The boot camp is in partnership with DA-BPO, DA-PhilRice, DA-CBC, DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA-LBC), and DA-FBC. The two-day event was moderated by Janine Cyren Escasura, Project Technical Assistant at ISAAA Inc.

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