By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has affirmed support for the proposed regulatory ordinance for genetically modified organisms (GMO) that seeks to align local agricultural policies with national regulations while addressing public concerns.

According to the official statement released by the Capitol’s joint legal-scientific team, the proposed ordinance is intended to harmonize the province’s existing GMO policy with the Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. 1, released in 2021.

This ensures that provincial regulations remain science-based, legally sound and consistent with national standards.

“Any introduction, use or commercialization of GMOs remains strictly subject to the evaluation, approval and permitting processes of the National Biosafety Committee and its relevant regulatory agencies,” the statement emphasized.

The JDC was issued by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG’s role under the JDC includes overseeing implementation at the local level and ensuring that public consultations are conducted in accordance with the Local Government Code, thereby guaranteeing that stakeholders’ voices are heard in shaping democratic and science-informed policies.

Addressing public concerns

The legal-scientific team acknowledged concerns raised over GMOs, particularly their effects on organic agriculture, biodiversity, food sovereignty, public health, and cultural identity.

The statement provided clarifications backed by international scientific evidence:

* Studies by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications show that GM crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton can reduce pesticide use and support biodiversity.

* A 2014 meta-analysis covering 147 studies found GM crops reduced pesticide use by 37 percent and increased yields by 22 percent.

* GMOs provide farmers with more options, not fewer, as dependence on corporations is not unique to GMOs.

* Coexistence between organic, conventional and GM crops is possible and already practiced in countries like those in the European Union.

* Organic certification recognizes that unintentional GMO presence does not automatically invalidate organic status if biosafety monitoring and buffer zones are in place.

* GMO seeds in the Philippines are accessible through local distributors and cooperatives, not solely multinational firms.

* Research shows GM crops improve farmer incomes and reduce vulnerability to crop losses.

* GMOs are said to strengthen local resilience by reducing dependence on food imports.

* The WHO, FAO, US National Academy of Sciences, and European Food Safety Authority all affirm that GM foods currently approved are as safe as conventional crops.

* Over 25 years of safe use in more than 70 countries show no verified adverse health effects.

* Independent studies and long-term trials affirm the safety of GM crops.

* Negros Occidental recognizes its heritage as an organic farming leader but stresses the need to adapt to challenges like climate change, pest outbreaks, and food security issues.

* A balanced approach allows the province to honor its organic identity while embracing science and biotechnology.

The statement concluded that the ordinance does not abandon the province’s values of sustainability and cultural heritage but instead strengthens its ability to respond to modern agricultural challenges by aligning local law with national policy and scientific evidence.

“The provincial government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding food security, protecting farmers, and embracing science-based innovation while upholding our organic identity,” the joint statement read./CJ, WDJ