Stronger public-private biotech partnership urged

MANILA, Philippines - Two young Filipino scientists who represented the country in the prestigious Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) called on the government and private sector to work more closely together to maximize the huge potential of biotechnology research and development (R&D).

“The government, private sector and research institutions must bridge the huge gap between these key stakeholders that keeps them from smoothly interacting with one another,” said Carlo Castillo, who is currently taking up Master of Science in Molecular Medicine at St. Luke’s College of Medicine.

“Government must fully support biotech R&D by increasing its budget allocation, giving higher compensation to local scientists and providing incentives to those who work in this particular scientific field. For its part, the private sector must support the government by sponsoring continuous training of local scientists and providing research funding,” said Karen Rosal, who completed her Master of Science in Molecular Biology at Okayama University in Japan.

Castillo and Rosal joined 58 other young scientists from 23 countries in the 5th Novartis International BioCamp held last year at the Novartis international headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

Organized annually by the research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis, BioCamp provides selected students from all over the world with the opportunity to learn from leading biotech experts, interact with professionals and work together with other students from various cultures.

The workshop also enables students to explore career opportunities and network with global leaders in the biotechnology sector.

In the Philippines, Novartis works with the Department of Science and Technology in organizing annual Local BioCamps where the top two participants are selected to represent the country in the International BioCamp.

Other Local BioCamp partners are Intellectual Property Philippines and Hybridigm Consulting, the country’s first biotechnology consulting firm.

One of Castillo’s favorite segments of BioCamp was the dynamic exchange of ideas among the delegates.

“I learned that governments of developed countries allocate sufficient funding for biotech R&D, but I’m proud to say that we’re not that far behind. I do hope though that our government prioritizes biotech R&D soon,” he said. 

“I met some delegates who are taking up their master’s or doctorate degree in a more technologically advanced country. Their intention is to learn the technology and eventually apply it in their native country, which is a common aspiration among many BioCamp delegates,” said Rosal, a B.S. Biology Major in Genetics graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Castillo believes that biotech can play an important role in driving national progress, particularly in a resource-rich country such as the Philippines.

“Despite our country’s vast ricefields and numerous rice granaries, we still need to import rice from other countries. Biotech can improve the quality of our rice and its production that would eliminate the need for importation and even enable us to become a top rice importer,” he said.

Rosal thinks that biotech can be utilized in discovering and developing novel drugs, lowering the cost of medicines, and providing long-term cure for diseases.

“I believe that biotech scientists have the responsibility to improve people’s health and help them live longer,” she said.

Both scientists are grateful for the privilege of participating in the International BioCamp and recognize the responsibility that comes with this privilege.

“Aside from continuing my work as a biotech scientist, I also want to be a teacher and share what I have learned with colleagues in the fields of biotech and business. Biotech in the Philippines is still in its infancy and I want to help it grow,” Castillo said.

“I want to help promote science and technology in the country by sharing what I have learned and serving as an inspiration to other budding Filipino scientists. While working abroad may offer better financial rewards, I believe it is my responsibility to stay in the Philippines and contribute in my own little way to our country’s progress and development,” said Rosal.