By CESAR JOLITO III
A brewing debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Negros Occidental has intensified after San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza joined groups opposing the proposed ordinance that would lift the province’s 18-year ban on GMO crops.
Alminaza warned that the GMO ordinance would mainly benefit “profit-oriented millionaires or billionaires” while exposing small farmers to long-term risks.
“Negros Occidental must remain GMO-free. Its destiny lies in being a model for ecological food systems, not a testing ground for technologies that threaten our land, our health and our future,” Alminaza said in a joint statement signed with a dozen multisectoral stakeholders.
“They’re not keen about the contamination that GMOs may cause later in the environment, harming more small farmers in the province,” he added.
The proposed measure has drawn strong backing from six livestock and poultry industry associations, arguing that the entry of GMO corn would ease feed costs, stabilize supply, boost farm incomes, and strengthen food security.
The groups backing the measure include the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, Negros Occidental Layers Association, Association of Broilers Integrators of Negros Occidental, Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental, United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros, and Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators.
“Corn plays a vital role as a major component of animal feeds that comprise roughly 70 percent of our cost of operations,” the groups said in a joint manifesto.
According to them, “GMOs violate the principles of organic agriculture” while “reducing biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and fostering dependency on external inputs and corporations.”
Meanwhile, environmental and civil society groups echoed these concerns.
Andrea Lizares-Si of the Provincial Council for Women and DAWN Foundation questioned whether sugar planters might abandon cane in favor of GMO corn.
Retired professor Ruth Gamboa from the University of the Philippines – Mindanao cited threats to biodiversity and soil fertility, while youth leader Joshua Villalobos of the Negros Initiative for Climate and Environment urged the province to preserve its organic farming legacy.
Battle for signatures
The policy battle has also spilled into the grassroots, with both sides racing to build public support.
Over 1,500 farmers from various local government units, all directly involved in the provincial government’s food security program, signed a manifesto endorsing the regulated use of GMOs.
The signatories argued that biotechnology could help address challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
They urged provincial leaders to weigh the long-term benefits of the proposed GMO ordinance for farmers, animal raisers and consumers alike.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz stressed that the priority of the Capitol is the welfare of the Negrenses, “not other countries.”
His response was in relation to reports that more than 50 international organic organizations have thrown support behind the GMO-Free Negros Coalition.
Diaz also emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and co-existence, adding that the ordinance offers a “balanced and practical solution” to challenges in animal production and farm business viability.
Earlier, the GMO-Free Negros Coalition said the provincial government should put “people and the environment over profit.”
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting organic agriculture./CJ, WDJ