22 December 2015 - The Philippines participated at the Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention from December 14 to 16 in Geneva, Switzerland. To highlight the commitment to the Convention, the Philippines co-hosted a side event entitled “Putting Biosafety and Biosecurity under the Microscope: Elements for an International Approach to Reinforce Capabilities and Address Future Risks,” with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) on December 16.

The side-event provided an opportunity for Philippines, host of the European Union  Chemical Biological and Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative implemented by UNICRI, to showcase initiatives in the field of biosafety and biosecurity. Speakers at the side-event included Colonel Jose Embang Jr., EU CBRN CoE National Focal Point, District Director, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of the Interior and Local Government; and Dr. Irma Makalinao, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine University of the Philippines Manila.

A presentation on the “Identification of national needs through a CBRN National Action Plan: the experience of the Philippines” was made by Col. Embang. Dr. Makalinao tackled the BWC from the viewpoint of academe and how her department at the Philippine General Hospital educates lecturers and students (future scientists) on the ethical use of biological materials, and how to prevent potential misuse of biotechnology.

Permanent Representative Cecilia B. Rebong co-chaired the event with Mr. Francesco Morelli of UNICRI. In her remarks, the Permanent Representative noted that porous borders and crisis situations highlight the need for all relevant actors to develop a synergistic level of international cooperation and collaboration in the fight against bioterrorism.

More than 50 participants of the Meeting of States Parties of the Biological Weapons Convention attended the sideevent, from States, Non-Governmental Organizations, and the Media.

The Philippines continues to contribute positively to the discussion on disarmament and the management of biological, chemical and nuclear materials for peaceful uses. END