STS CH 3: LESSON 3

• Jack Williamson coined the term genetic engineering in 1951.
• The general process of genetic engineering is the deliberate manipulation of the organism's genes, where it may involve transfer of genes from other organism.
• Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an "organism, either plant, animal, or microorganism, in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination."
• Human Genome Project (HGP) refers to mapping of human genes to provide framework for research and studies in the field of medicine.
• Cloning pertains to the asexual reproduction of an organism using parent cell through genetic engineering.
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is responsible for the development of standards, codes of practices, guidelines, and recommendations on food safety.
• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international environmental treaty that regulates the transboundary movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). the protocol requires exporters to seek consent from the importers before its first shipment of LMOs.
• The International Trade Agreement on labeling of GM food and food products requires exporters of GM food and food products to label their products and give rights to importing parties to reject or accept the GM products.
• In 2006, the Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
• In March 7, 2016, five government agencies namely:

  1. Department of Science and Technology
  2. Department of Agriculture
  3. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
  4. Department of Health
  5. Department of Interior and Local Government

  passed a Joint Department Circular No. 1, series of 2016 on rules and regulations for the research and development, handling and use, transboundary movement, release in the environment, and management of the genetically modified plant and plant products derived from the use of modern biotechnology.