Philippines: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Annual

The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to regulate genetically engineered (GE) crops. It has approved five GE products in four crops for commercial propagation, most recently high-iron and zinc rice. As of October 22, 2026, the Philippine Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Approval Registry lists 123 events for direct use and 21 for commercial propagation. The Court of Appeals ruling on the Writ of Kalikasan continues to halt Golden Rice and Bt eggplant while the Supreme Court reviews the case. A draft circular on gene-edited animals went through public consultation in 2026 but has not been issued.