ISAAA Hosts Agbiotech Boot Camp for Philippine Senior High School Students and Teachers
Key Insights
ISAAA Inc. (search) held Camp Helix, a two-day agbiotech boot camp on July 15-16, 2026, for 35 senior high school students and teachers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
The program featured expert lectures on biotechnology, GM crops, gene editing, and science communication alongside hands-on DNA extraction and research facility tours.
Organizers emphasized the importance of engaging young learners in agricultural biotechnology to address global challenges and inspire future careers in research and innovation.
Thirty-five senior high school learners and teachers from three Philippine schools gathered at the Department of Agriculture - Crop Biotechnology Center (search) (DA-CBC) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, for a two-day immersive program designed to spark curiosity and strengthen competencies in agricultural biotechnology. ISAAA Inc. (search) organized Camp Helix: Agbiotech Boot Camp for SHS Learners and Teachers on July 15-16, 2026, marking the second iteration of the event following its inaugural run in 2024.
Mr. Panfilo de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist at ISAAA Inc. (search), welcomed participants and underscored the significance of broadening access to biotechnology education. "This boot camp is designed as a specialized and enjoyable learning experience to increase knowledge and appreciation of modern biotechnology tools and applications," Mr. de Guzman said.
The participating schools included San Jose City National High School-Senior High School, San Sebastian School Inc., and Sto. Domingo National Trade School.
Expert Lectures Span the Biotechnology Spectrum
The boot camp featured a comprehensive lecture series delivered by specialists from leading Philippine research institutions and industry. Dr. Antonio Alfonso of Corteva Agriscience (search) presented an introduction to biotechnology, while Dr. Jerwin Undan of Central Luzon State University (search) (CLSU) covered conventional biotechnology approaches.
Dr. Reynante Ordonio of DA-CBC addressed genetically modified (GM) crops and gene editing in crops, and Ms. Faith Loraine T. Magbanua of the DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center (DA-FBC) discussed GM and gene editing applications in animals. Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV of DA-PhilRice rounded out the lecture program with a session on science communication.
Hands-On Learning and Facility Tours
On the second day, participants gained firsthand experience through field visits and laboratory activities. They visited the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory, where they performed a hands-on DNA extraction activity, as well as the Genome Engineering Laboratory at DA-CBC. The tour continued with visits to the PhilRice Gene Bank and the confined transgenic field facility, followed by stops at the National Livestock Cryobank and the National Genepool at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).
Leadership Perspectives on Youth Engagement
Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Research at DA-PhilRice, emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping students' understanding of agriculture. "The world's biggest challenges need science and biotechnology, and they need people like you to solve them," Dr. Quilang said.
Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of the DA - Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO), whose message was delivered by Mr. Rainiel Viray, Senior Management Specialist at DA-BPO, highlighted agriculture as a dynamic field driven by science and innovation. "Agriculture is one of the most exciting frontiers of science and innovation today. It needs young people like you—curious, creative, and driven to develop solutions that improve lives," Dr. Limson said.
In closing, Dr. Arlen A. Dela Cruz, Assistant Chief and Supervising Science Research Specialist at DA-CBC, encouraged participants to consider careers in research, biotechnology, and agriculture. "We hope this experience encourages you to develop an interest in research, biotechnology, and agriculture. One day, you could become the future scientists, farmers, and innovators who will help advance Philippine agriculture," Dr. Dela Cruz said.
Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. (search), expressed hope that the boot camp improved participants' understanding and perception of biotechnology. "Your thorough understanding of biotechnology at a young age is significantly important to improve our country. Maybe in the future, your research outputs will improve our agricultural products, making them more profitable and providing a nutritious and bountiful harvest for everyone," Dr. Aldemita said.
The boot camp was conducted as part of the Know the Science project of ISAAA Inc. (search), in collaboration with DA-BPO, under the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program (DA Biotech Program), in partnership with DA-PhilRice, DA-CBC, DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA-LBC), and DA-FBC.