Wesleyan University-Philippines

College of Nursing

Research
Paper
Submitted by:
Estabillo Geumi P.
BSN 2-3

SUbmitted to:
Prof. Jenelle Santos
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

Purpose: Delayed ripening tomato

The first genetically modified agricultural crop to be

grown in an industrialized country and sold on chosen
markets within the Philippines was the delayed-ripening
tomato, also known as the "Flavr Savr". The shelf life of
these tomato varietals is increased. They have a gene
that suppresses the ripening-related natural softening
processes.

Calgene, a California-based company, was the pioneer in this

first agricultural crop genetic modification on tomatoes back
in 1994. However, since the Flavr savr's effects are so
obviously encouraging, these transgenic tomatoes are also
being studied and tested in the Philippines. It was simply
named biotech tomatoes, and to avoid confusion and make
the study more precise, for the purpose of this research,
therefore, I named it after the first project and labeled it as
Flavr savr 2.0 as it is Philippine-based research now.

Genetically engineered tomatoes are now being used as

one of the main ingredients in different canned tomatoes
or tomato sauces. The FDA, with thorough research,
approved these biotech tomatoes for human
consumption as it pose no threat to human health.

On the other hand, the first and original flavor savr is still
available in a few markets here in the Philippines and it
belongs within the imported section of the foods.
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

The Process of Genetic modification of

Flavr Savr
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

Health Problems Experienced after the consumption of
Biotech Tomatoes?

The following are POTENTIAL RISKS and are not reported

reactions or experiences after the consumption of biotech
tomatoes. These are based on the FDA guidelines on what
potential GMOs can give humans (not specifically pertaining
to biotech tomatoes)

1. Toxicity
2. Allergic Reactions
3. Anti-biotic Resistance
4. Immuno-suppression
5. Cancer
6. Loss of Nutrition

The sole clear drawback of the Flavr Savr tomato—the

first Flavr Savr to come from outside the country—outside of
all the advantages of transgenic tomatoes is that it contains
a gene that codes for Kanamycin antibiotic resistance. This
gene was inserted because normal cells differentiated, and it
was left in place following the transfer.

Although there were no specific articles indicating the

possible antibiotic resistance that could result from the
consumption of biotech tomatoes, through careful research,
as the Philippines biotech tomatoes follow the lead of Flavr
savr, then this disadvantage could also be present in our
biotech tomatoes and can lead to actual health problems.
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

Government action on GM products

After a high court ordered a revision of old regulations,

the Philippines adopted a new set of guidelines governing
genetically modified organisms. This has relieved farmers
and distributors who were concerned that just about any
postponement would cause food shortages.

One of the problems presented by researchers at the

University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) is where the
emphasis on biosafety as one of the concerns in the
implementation of modern biotechnology in the Philippines
first emerged.

A memorandum of agreement signed by then UPLB

Chancellor Raul P. De Guzman and then IRRI Director General
M.S. Swaminathan on 12 October 1987 created a Joint
Committee on Biosafety with the following terms of
reference:

Review research proposals submitted by UPLB and IRRI

scientists initiating experiments that require special
safety requirements and recommend either approval or
rejection by the head of the institution
Consult with countries with biosafety regulations in place
in order to be able to formulate and introduce
appropriate guidelines for modern biotechnology
research at UPLB and IRRI;
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
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Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

Serve as a clearing house of information on experimental
procedures involving recombinant DNA technology; and
Review from time to time ongoing experiments in
modern biotechnology, particularly those involving
fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, insect pests, and
recombinant DNA to ensure that the highest standards
of safety are maintained.

All other departments and organizations shall undertake

the legal authority and other powers that have been granted
to them by existing laws in synchronization with other
involved departments and agencies and in compliance with
the requirements of accountability and public participation
as provided in Sections 6 and 7 of the NBF.

MANDATE OF THE NCBP

The NCBP shall be the lead body to coordinate and
harmonize inter-agency and multi-sector efforts to develop
biosafety policies in the country and set scientific, technical,
and procedural standards on actions by agencies and other
sectors to promote biosafety in the Philippines.

What are the bodies (authorities) involved in regulation and

risk assessment of GMOs?
Department of Agriculture Order No.8 s. 2002, “Rules and
Regulations on the Importation and Release of Plant and
Plant Products Derived From the Use of Modern
Biotechnology” Currently, the regulation covers only
plant and plant products derived from modern
biotechnology.
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

Risk vs. Benefits of Using GM products

There are different claims made in research papers as to

whether eating GM crops is suitable for or bad for people's
well-being. There are reasonable arguments for every
allegation of a danger to health associated with GMOs, either
refuting the claim or arguing that GMOs have more positive
effects than negative ones. The possible emergence of
allergens in GM-related foods and toxicity from GM crops
are the two most significant GMO dangers to people.

The initial condition is brought on by genetic elements

found in transgenes that have built-in allergenic traits. A shift
in gene expression allows the transgene genetic elements
found in GM crops to enter the body. Alteration in storage
tissue or other areas of the plant can result from gene
expression modifications. Due to cross-reactivity with an
additional allergen to which some people have previously
developed sensitivity, generated proteins from GM crops
now have a tendency to overload the immune system,
causing it to respond inappropriately to similar proteins.
These are among the explanations experts have made on the
risk of consuming GM products.

On the contrary, GM products and their emergence can

significantly lead to increase crop yields, reduce the costs
for food production, decrease pesticide use, improve and
enhance the nutrient composition and food quality, pest and
disease tolerance, greater food security and medical benefi
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
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Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

to the world’s increasing population. Similar to the genetic
modification in tomatoes which based on research,
tomatoes are genetically modified with increased lycopene.
Nutritionists suggested an association between increased
lycopene consumption and reduced prostate cancer risk.
This, in turn, is among one the benefits GM products can
provide humanity

Genetic Engineering can also help us when it comes to

our health because this allows scientists to create GMOs or
Genetically Modified Organisms. Genetically Modified
Organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has
been artificially manipulated in a laboratory by genetic
modification. This results in gene combinations of organisms
like plants, animals, and even bacteria and viruses that do
not exist in nature or can only be obtained by conventional
cross-breeding methods. The possible benefit of genetically
modified organisms is new species of food that can provide
nutrition that cannot be provided by normal organisms. This
can also benefit the field of medicine because it creates
medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other
medicines. An example of this is the production of biologic
drugs and biopharmaceutical drugs, a drug product
manufactured in, extracted from, or semi-synthesized from
biological sources. An application of living organisms,
extractions, by-products, or components of living organisms,
to prevent, relieve, or treat diseases. These drugs are made
from biological components of substances known as
biologics, including sugars, proteins, nucleic acids such as
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
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Genetically Modified Organism: Flavr Savr 2.0

DNA and RNA, or a diverse mixture of components. Most
biopharmaceuticals are generated from proteins present in
nature. Biopharmaceuticals are often made from
recombinant proteins, which are rare proteins that include
genes manipulated by scientists.

Evidently, the impact of GMOs on biodiversity is a subject

of debate as well. GMOs' potential to harm population well-
being is one particular issue, but humanity also views this
prospect as a huge opportunity to advance living conditions.
But still, at the end of the day, we should remember "Wag
magkukulang, pero wag din sososbra" an evocative reminder
to everyone that everything should be done in moderation.
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Nursing

References:
Home. (n.d.). Ncbp.dost.gov.ph. Retrieved November 21,
2022, from https://ncbp.dost.gov.ph/

cbsua. (2012, September 16). Genetically modified

organism tested in the philippines.
https://www.slideshare.net/abbylah/genetically-
modified-organism-tested-in-our-country

A Report for the National Committee on Biosafety of the

Philippines (NCBP) BIOSAFETY REGULATIONS IN THE
PHILIPPINES: A Review of the First Fifteen Years, Preparing
for the Next Fifteen. (n.d.). https://bch.dost.gov.ph/bch-
laws-and-regulations?download=10:biosafety-
regulations-in-the-philippines

Philippine Biosafety Regulatory Gaps and Initiatives.

(2020, November 23). FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform
(FFTC-AP). https://ap.fftc.org.tw/article/2633

Tomato breeding lines resistant to dreaded virus

developed | GOVPH. (n.d.). Official Gazette of the
Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved November 21, 2022,
from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/06/17/tomato-
breeding-lines-resistant-to-dreaded-virus-developed/