SSC Joins National Biosafety Consultations and Orientation in Iloilo City

Siquijor State College (SSC) actively took part in two significant biosafety events organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on August 19–20, 2025, at Citadines Amigo Hotel, Iloilo City. Representing the College were Dr. Liezel E. Pajulas and Mr. Jerome H. Ruiz, who contributed SSC’s voice in shaping national biosafety initiatives.

On August 19, SSC participated in the Consultative Workshop for the Preparation of the Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, organized by the DOST National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (DOST-NCBP). The gathering brought together academic institutions and industry stakeholders from the Visayas, including UP-Visayas, VSU, HNU, WVSU, NORSU, SSC, the Bureau of Plant Industry, and other agencies. The workshop served as a platform to share insights that will form part of the Philippines’ draft report on biosafety implementation.

The following day, August 20, SSC delegates also joined the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Orientation and Refresher Seminar, spearheaded by the DOST Biosafety Committee through its Secretariat. This Visayas leg provided participants with a comprehensive review of biosafety frameworks and guidelines, including GMO regulations, risk assessment processes, monitoring protocols, and the vital role of IBCs in overseeing biosafety compliance.

Under the leadership of Dr. Steven Sumaylo, SSC continues to advance its commitment to biosafety by promoting clear knowledge sharing and strengthening compliance practices, thereby making meaningful contributions to both national policies and global biosafety governance.