The Department of Health (DOH), in cooperation with the National Kidney & Transplant Institute and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, today led other government agencies in celebrating this year’s National Biotechnology Week, with the theme, “Biotek: Makabagong Solusyon sa Kalusugan.”

Biotechnology is the term used for technologies that involve the application of biological organisms, or their components, systems or processes to manufacture, modify and/or improve processes.

“Many of the important biotechnology applications are in health, such as drugs to diagnose and treat diseases, vaccines to prevent diseases, the use of the human gene to decode susceptibility to diseases, developing medications with the appropriate doses tailored to specific genetic make-up, and other advancements,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III noted.

The five-day celebration features a Techno fair and trade exhibit showcasing products of biotechnology, and different fora and activities, held by participating government agencies, for various audience  groups such as students and government employees.

This year marks the 15th annual celebration of the event since the last week of November was first declared as “National Biotechnology Week” by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through Proclamation No. 1414, in 2007.

Earlier on November 4, a soft launch of the event was conducted to showcase each member-agency’s contributions in applying biotechnology to positively impact the health of the people.

“We recognize the increasingly important role of biotechnology in improving the lives of Filipinos, especially in healthcare. Health is a right of all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, and other factors. By reducing inequalities in the individuals’ ability to stay healthy, well-nourished, and health literate, we can attain better human development outcomes, and ultimately boost economic growth,” the Health Chief concluded.