Biotech group lauds Sin letter on biotechnology

The head of the newly formed Biotechnology Conference of the Philippines (BCP), Dr. Benigno Peczon, welcomed the pastoral letter issued by Jaime Cardinal Sin on the use of genetic engineering for agricultural products.

Peczon said the Cardinal’s statements came at a very opportune time when the Philippine government and the Public are facing issues on modern biotechnology.

"The BCP lauds the Cardinal for his timely words of wisdom. We fully subscribe to His Eminence’s call for the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology for the benefit of the Filipino people. We also appreciate the efforts made by the Archdiocese of Manila in enlightening us on the official position of the Church amidst reports to the contrary," Peczon added.

Early this week, Msgr. Socrates Villegas, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Manila, clarified that Cardinal Sin acknowledges the benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture "provided this is done under the principles of morality."

The same sentiment was echoed by Bishop Jesus Varela in a gathering of agricultural experts in Manila recently where the Cardinal explained that "the Catholic church is not against biotechnology in agriculture; in fact it clearly recognizes (its) potential benefits to humanity."

Bishop Varela assured the group that there is no incongruence in the use of this technology with the Church’s belief. He, however, pointed out that activities regarding biotechnology should consider risks associated with it in order to ensure that such risks are managed and minimized.

The BCP was formed as a coalition of biotechnology advocates to serve as an avenue for the rational discussion and assessment of the benefits and risks of genetic engineering. Its members are broad-based and mutli-sectoral, coming from local farmer organizations, the academic and scientific communities, national research councils and institutions, and different industry associations. Its main objective is to contribute to national development goals by harnessing the potentials of modern biotechnology through its safe and responsible use.