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</font></font><a class="date"><em><font color="#666666" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Posted 28 November 2008</font></em></a><br><br><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>PHILIPPINES</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
1-BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVOCATES AWARDED <br>2-11 BIOTECH PRODUCTS READY FOR INDUSTRY USE <br>3-CONGRESS EYES CREATING BIOTECH CENTER TO STRENGTHEN BIOTECH INDUSTRIES <br>4-NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK: MAKING BIOTECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU <br>
5-DOST UNVEILS ADVANCES IN R&D IN NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>MALAYSIA</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
6-PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE AGRO-BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE TO COMMERCIALISE R&D <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>BANGLADESH</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
7-NATIONAL COMMISSION ON BIOTECHNOLOGY URGED <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GLOBAL</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
8-GLOBAL MEETING OF BIOSAFETY RESEARCHERS <br><br></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
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<div align="left"><br><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>1-BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVOCATES AWARDED</strong><br>28-November-2008 SEARCA BIC News Release<br><br>Recognizing their exemplary contribution in promoting biotechnology in the Philippines, Dr. Randy A. Hautea, Global Coordinator and Southeast Asia Center Director of the </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.isaaa.org/"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)</font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">, and Ms. Sonny P. Tababa, former Network Administrator of the </font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC)</font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">, received special citations at the 4th Jose G. Burgos, Jr. Awards for Biotech Journalism. The award was given in a ceremony held at the Institute of Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City on 27 November 2008.<br>
<br>Dr. Hautea was conferred for his commendable leadership at ISAAA for facilitating the transfer of crop biotechnology applications and the benefits of new agricultural biotechnologies to the country through public-private partnerships. He persistently assists the national programs on biotechnology through R&D grants, and has been instrumental in the establishment of pool of experts by supporting capability building programs in the fields of food safety, biosafety, risk assessment and risk management, intellectual property rights, and communication. <br>
<br>Likewise, Ms. Tababa was recognized for her contribution in promoting public understanding and acceptance of biotechnology in the country through her successful coordination and implementation of biotechnology advocacy programs of the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center, making it as one of the most credible source of science-based information on biotechnology. Her purposeful effort in advancing biotechnology information in the country has reached out to several stakeholders, including scientists, farmers, media, policy makers, regulators, academe, NGOs and students making her a prominent persona in the Philippine biotech community. <br>
<br>The Jose G. Burgos, Jr. Awards for Biotech Journalism is held annually to recognize Filipino science journalists and biotech workers who contribute in promoting and communicating biotechnology in the country.<br><br>The award is organized by the Biotechnology for Life Media Advocacy and Resource Center, a consortium of the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Biotech Coalition of the Philippines, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Development, and the J. Burgos Media Services Inc.<em><strong> (Rochella B. Lapitan, SEARCA BIC)</strong></em><br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>2-11 BIOTECH PRODUCTS READY FOR INDUSTRY USE</strong><br>By Ira Karen Apanay <br>26-November-2008 </font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/26/yehey/metro/20081126met4.html"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Manila Times</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">NEW biotechnology products that could help farmers and fisher folks lower their production cost and increase yields were introduced Tuesday during the ongoing Fourth National Biotechnology Week. <br>
<br>Director Alicia Ilaga, who heads the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office, said the new technologies were developed with the objective of achieving agricultural modernization and guaranteeing food security. <br>
<br>Ilaga stressed the products or technologies, which were unveiled during an investors' forum held at Tuesday at the University of the Philippines-Diliman Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), are all ready for commercialization. <br>
<br>Among the products and technologies unveiled are: BIO-NOL, a stable inoculum that increases ethanol production from sugar¬cane, sweet sorghum and cassava developed by Dr. Priscilla Sanchez of the Biotech Implementation Program of the Agriculture department; Makapuno Embryo Culture Technology, a simpler, faster and low-cost production technology to make real maka¬puno developed by Efren Carba and Dr. Cristeta Cieto of the Philippine Coconut Authority-Albay Research Center; Biological Control of Brontispa (Bron¬tispa longissima) in Young Palms and New Plantations developed by Carba and Ambrosio Raul Alfiler also from the coconut agency's Albay research center. <br>
<br>The other technologies ready for commercialization include: DNA Marker for Tungro Resistance Gene developed by Gabriel Romero of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice); New Rice Varieties Resistant to Bacterial Blight developed by Thelma Padolina, also of Phil¬Rice; and Processing of Sweet Pot¬ato Pickles developed by Julie Tan of PhilRootcrops. <br>
<br>A major marine product innovation is the Post-Harvest Techniques to Optimize Seaweeds Production developed by Dr. Marco Nemesio Montaño of the Marine Science Institute, which can be used by seaweed growers in Tawi-Tawi and other areas. <br>
<br>The other technologies unveiled during the ongoing Biotechnology Week include: Quick Diagnostic Tool to Detect Diseases in Shrimp and Marine Fish developed by Dr. Leobert de la Peña of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center; Bunchytop Virus Resistant Banana or Lakatan developed by Olivia Damasco, et. al., of the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB); Virus Resistant Papaya developed by Simeona Siar, et. al., of the IPB; and Virus Resistant Abaca developed by Antonio Lalusin et al., also of the IPB. <br>
<br>Ilaga said Senator Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, bared that he is working on a legislative proposal to grant incentives to investors willing to commercialise agricultural biotechnology products. <br>
<br>Under Angara's proposal, private sector investors would be granted tax deductions if they engage in biotechnology research and development or promote truly Filipino biotechnology products. <br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br>
<strong>3-CONGRESS EYES CREATING BIOTECH CENTER TO STRENGTHEN BIOTECH INDUSTRIES</strong><br>By Jennifer A. Ng (Reporter)<br>25-November-2008 BusinessMirror<br><br>A LEGISLATIVE agenda that seeks to establish an "independent" biotechnology center and promote biotech-based industries is currently being advanced in Congress. <br>
<br>In a speech read for him during the opening ceremonies of the National Biotechnology Week in Quezon City, Sen. Edgardo Angara disclosed that the Joint Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (Comste) is advancing a biotech legislative agenda.<br>
<br>"[The] legislative agenda is directed toward the establishment of an independent biotechnology center of excellence and promotion of biotechnology-based industries," said Angara.<br><br>The senator noted that the seed capital for the biotech center being envisioned by Congress will be funded by a seed capital that will be provided by the government. The money will be used to conduct directed and impact-oriented research and development (R&D).<br>
<br>He said the R&D spending of the biotech center should be tax-deductible.<br><br>To promote biotech-based industries, Angara said legislative policies should be geared toward the granting of incentives to companies that invest in the commercial production of biotechnologies; granting of incentives to multinational corporations that will set up R&D centers in the Philippines; and the establishment of venture capital fund and business incubators to help emerging small biotech companies.<br>
<br>Angara noted that the local biotechnology sector is currently being confronted by a number of challenges which include lack of good scientists, low R&D spending and the lack of incentives for investors. <br><br>The chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture noted that the Philippine government spend only 0.15 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2002 for R&D.<br>
<br>"What this super-technology can do for us in the future, given a supportive environment, is amazing," said Angara.<br><br>Meanwhile, two Cabinet officials cited the need to harness biotechnology for the country to boost food production, develop cheaper but effective medicines and upgrade the production of commodities using higher-yielding crops with higher nutritional content.<br>
<br>Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said government is confident that "through biotechnology, we can get better results to our ceaseless pursuit on prosperity and development."<br><br>"If we do not use biotechnology for our favor, we may just be left out by other governments and other societies who would harness it for their own good," he told a group of scientists and biotechnology advocates.<br>
<br>Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro underscored the need to learn from the experiences of researchers and open channels of communication about new issues on biotechnology and their implications.<br><br>
"If we could wave a flag for biotechnology, it would have three colors," she said. "Red for medical, green for agricultural and white for industrial applications."<br><br>Proclamation 1414, signed by President Arroyo last year, declared the last week of November as National Biotechnology Week in a bid to sustain greater awareness, education and understanding of biotechnology, including its many applications.<br>
<br>Biotechnology production developed by local scientists already include biofertilizers, ethanol-production-inducing bacteria and micronutrient enhancement products.<br><br>As early as 1998, high-level biotechnology research started and developed products such as transgenic papaya resistant to bunchy top virus and ringspot virus, delayed ripening of papaya and mango, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, and marker-assisted breeding in coconut and coconut with high lauric acid content.<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>4-NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK: MAKING BIOTECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU</strong><br>24-November-2008 Manila Bulletin<br><br>The annual celebration of National Biotechnology Week begins today with the theme "Making Biotechnology Work for You." <br>
<br>Cognizant of the positive contributions of biotechnology to society and how the scientific advances in the field have helped sustain growth and development, Presidential Proclamation No. 1414 designated the last week of November as National Biotechnology Week. The declaration hopes to maintain the country's status as one of the "mega countries" using biotechnology as a strategy for development.<br>
<br>Biotechnology is widely used in the Philippines. Biotechnological applications have increased crop yields and farm productivity and enhanced the quality, value, and suitability of crops for food and other uses. Biotechnology has helped in the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs that cannot be made in any other way. In crime investigations and the administration of justice, biotechnology is used by way of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses and similar DNA technologies.<br>
<br>Biotechnology involves "the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes." Its applications range from the production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk foodstuffs to the bioconversion of organic waste and the use of genetically altered bacteria in the cleanup of oil spills, among others.<br>
<br>The celebration of the Fourth National Biotechnology Week serves to remind us to use of scientific knowledge and tools, especially biotechnology, responsibly.<br><br>People should exert conscious efforts to ensure that these tools do not compromise the safety and well-being of people but result in an improved quality of life for every Filipino.<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>5-DOST UNVEILS ADVANCES IN R&D IN NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK</strong><br>24-November-2008 BusinessMirror<br><br>The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which co-chairs this year's celebration of National Biotechnology Week from November 23 to 29 at the Institute for Small Scale Industries at the University of the Philippines Diliman, will unveil the results of research and development (R&D) projects on biotechnology that were undertaken by the department.<br>
<br>Following the theme, "Making biotechnology work for you," the DOST will show the work of several biotechnology scientists on agriculture, health, energy, environment, food and industries and DNA forensics for police officers.<br>
<br>The DOST has given priority to biotechnology as a major area for grants and financial aid.<br><br>According to Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro, the bulk of the R&D efforts goes to agriculture and health, with a small portion going to energy and industry, like bioremediation. Agriculture remains on top of the DOST's list, she added.<br>
<br>"Biotech really started with agriculture, right? Of course, it's agriculture. What are we supporting right now? We have work on fruits, high-value fruits like papaya and mango, coconut, of course. We are also doing work on the fibers like the abaca. It's very important to us. We are also working on bananas. May mga priority crops tayo, like sweet potato, because this is a crop that is very prone to certain diseases, and it is a major crop in Central Luzon. So ang mga farmers natin sa Central Luzon are looking at varieties that are resistant to certain diseases," Alabastro revealed.<br>
<br>Also high on the list of the DOST's priorities is work on discovering compounds, enzymes and other substances for the manufacture of medicines and detection kits for infectious diseases.<br><br>The DoST is also sponsoring a series of scientific fora featuring researches and studies that it had funded.<br>
<br>The first in the series is the Scientific Forum on Energy and Environment, to be led by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD-DOST), Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.<br>
<br>It will be followed by the Scientific Forum on Health by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. Both will be held on November 25.<br>
<br>On November 26, PCARRD-DOST, together with the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office and the Philippine Rice Research Institute, will stage a Scientific Forum on Agriculture and Food Industry.<br><br>
A training workshop on DNA forensics for police officers will also take place on November 27, sponsored by the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development.<br><br>Besides the scientific fora, the Science Education Institute will also sponsor an educational forum on biotechnology on November 26. (Biolife News Service)<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>MALAYSIA<br>6-PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE AGRO-BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE TO COMMERCIALISE R&D<br>
</strong>24-November-2008 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=374062"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Bernama.com</font></a><br><br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">SERDANG, 24 Nov (Bernama) -- A plan is afoot to restructure the Institute of Agriculture Biotechnology into a company limited by guarantee to enable it to intensify its role in marketing its research and development (R&D).<br>
<br>Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the ministry would submit a working paper on the proposal to the cabinet soon.<br><br>He said the old structure was not conducive for the institute in marketing the R&D and as such changes had to be made.<br>
<br>"The institute is entrusted with marketing the R&D produced by public and private universities. So the structure had to be reviewed to make it more efficient and act as a catalyst in marketing the R&D," he told reporters after visiting the institute here Monday.<br>
<br>He said it would also make its management more flexible and enable it to recruit talented researchers and enticing more entrepreneurs to capitalise on its R&D.<br><br>"This is a step in the right direction towards achieving the objectives of the National Biotechnology Policy which was implemented three years ago," he said.<br>
<br></font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>------------------------------------------------------------<br>BANGLADESH<br>7-NATIONAL COMMISSION ON BIOTECHNOLOGY URGED<br></strong>26-November-2008 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/11/26/news0153.htm"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Nation</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Speakers at a roundtable yesterday demanded to set up an independent National Commission on Biotechnology to identify research and commercial areas relevant to the country's needs as well as to find out existing manpower strength.<br>
<br>The demand came during discussion on 'Biotechnology in Development:<br><br>World Scenario and Bangladesh' held at the Jatiya (national) Press Club in the morning.<br><br>Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNOBB) and Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (YoungBB) jointly organized the discussion where noted scientists, social scientists, NGO officials and media personalities took part.<br>
<br>They said the proposed National Commission would prioritize research as well as identify research network within the country and establish international links and also procure funding for research.<br><br>"By using the benefits of biotechnology, the developed countries have developed their all sectors, including agriculture, environment and medicine, but unfortunately we didn't due to the lack of our sufficient knowledge about it," Dr Ahmed Shamsul Islam, a former DU teacher said.<br>
<br>He was critical of the Science and Technology Ministry saying it could not make people aware about the benefits of biotechnology. Those manning the ministry have little or no knowledge about the benefits of biotechnology.<br>
<br>Dr Ahmed said Dhaka is known to all by a city of wastes. But these wastes could be well changed into resource like gas and electricity. "We know it but did not take initiative. That's our problem. So everyone will have to raise voice jointly to accrue benefits out of the wastes.<br>
<br>Describing the importance of the biotechnology, eminent social scientist Dr Mahbub Hossain said biotechnology is much more powerful than information technology, particularly in the third world.<br><br></font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>------------------------------------------------------------<br>
GLOBAL<br>8-GLOBAL MEETING OF BIOSAFETY RESEARCHERS</strong><br>19-November-2008 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmo-safety.eu/en/news/666.docu.html"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">GMO Safety</font></a><br>
<br><font size="1"><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms (ISBGMO) began on 17 November in Wellington. It is the world's leading scientific conference on biosafety research. State of the art environmental biosafety research projects will be showcased over five days and discussed by the 250 participating scientific researchers, regulators and industry representatives from 34 countries. Focus this year is on the environmental impact of stress tolerant GM crops, the influence of GMOs on complex soil ecosystems and the containment of gene flow from GMOs in the environment, such as in field trials.<br>
<br>Organised by the International Society of Biosafety Research (ISBR), the symposium offers additional highlights. There will be talks on the risk assessment of GM crops of the next generation, such as those with improved nutritional content, those raised for the production of biofuels or those designed for heat-resistance and drought. <br>
<br>Participants also question the risk of genetically modified animals, in particular, the breeding of bird-flu-resistant chickens and a risk assessment of released transgenic insects. Such animals are considered a possible option when it comes to fighting diseases transmitted by insects to humans, animals and plants. In conclusion, new findings will be presented on the potential environmental impact of transgenic farmed fish and methods for containing them.<br>
<br>Post market monitoring (PMM) programme experiences in Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland and Germany will be presented. PMM programmes look out for possible environmental risks of GMOs following their commercial authorisation. These programmes allow for the timely recognition of unexpected environmental risks that might arise, even if the GMO was previously given a positive rating.<br>
<br>Authorisation processes and risk assessment of GMOs vary, sometimes greatly, from country to country. Even within the EU Member States conflict has been brewing for years over just what the correct criteria for GMO authorisation should be. Austria, France and Greece have even opposed the EU Commission's decision to authorise certain GMO products. The harmonisation of authorisation criteria and risk assessment methods are a concern that will be addressed in this year's ISBGMO. In a joint session with OECD and a workshop, participants will discuss how national authorisation processes can be brought more in line with scientific requirements as well as what data should be necessary for the authorisation of a GMO and how much influence OECD recommendations and biosafety research results have on the authorisation.<br>
<br>ISBR President Jochen Schiemann sees the symposium as an important support for scientifically based GMO authorisation procedures worldwide. "Knowledge of potential negative environmental impacts of GMOs and their related risk assessments results not only from the quality of the biosafety research itself, but on a continuous, interactive cooperation of regulators, policy makers and science. This symposium is a place for that." <br>
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<td bgcolor="#fcfdce" valign="top" width="184"><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.searca.org/web/news/2008/oct/web/24.html"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Three-in-one: Trees, veggies, and animals together?</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
<br></font><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.searca.org/web/news/2008/oct/web/22.html"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Filipinos getting poorer and hungrier</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
<br></font><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.searca.org/web/news/2008/oct/web/10.html"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Let's look for solutions…</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
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</font><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.searca.org/web/adss/2008/index.html"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Download available paper and/or presentation handouts of some notable speakers presented at SEARCA Agriculture and Development Series. CLICK HERE.</strong></font></a><font size="1"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
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<td bgcolor="#eeffa8" valign="top" width="183"><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.searca.org/"><font color="#ff6600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>SEARCA ADSS: Why Skills Matter in Economic Development?</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Associate Dean, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños<br>
SEARCA, College, Laguna, Philippines<br>02 December 2008, 4:00 -5:00 PM</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>SEARCA Special Seminar: Urban Transformation and Carbon Footprint of Megacities</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Dr. Shinji Kaneko, Associate Professor, Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Japan <br>
SEARCA, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines<br>04 December 2008, 4:00 - 5:00 PM</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.isbgmo.info/"><font color="#ff6600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>SEARCA Special Seminar: LINCOD Forum: Empowering Communitiesfor Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Conservation</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Dr. Reynaldo A. Comia, Associate Professor and Assistant Program Leader, Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program, Agricultural Systems Cluster, UPLB College of Agriculture; and Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon, Professor and Dean, UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management<br>
SEARCA, College, Laguna, Philippines</strong></font></a><br><a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>05 December 2008, 4:00 - 5:00 PM</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.ishs-papaya2008.com/"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>2nd International Forum on Papaya</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><strong><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India<br>09 - 12 December 2008</font></strong></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table>
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