A strong research and development (R&D) pillar built around a robust and creative scientific community that is able to generate novel and beneficial technologies is needed to realize the potential benefits of biotechnology for the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. In the statement, Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano said that it has long been the primary concern of the DA to promote agricultural development, translated into improvement of farm income and generation of work opportunities for farmers, fishermen, and other rural workers. The statement followed a call for project proposals seeking funding under the DA Biotechnology Program for the second quarter of this year. Priority areas being considered include basic and applied biotech research; institutional capacity enhancement; policy research and advocacy; and information, education, and communication.

Galvez, J. K. (2015, January 20). R&D crucial to biotech's potentional - DA. The Manila Times, p. B2.