By CESAR JOLITO III
A broad coalition of 82 organizations and companies has urged the Negros Occidental provincial government to stand firm against the entry of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), warning that the proposed ordinance could undermine the province’s hard-won reputation as the Philippines’ “Organic Capital.”
The groups submitted four position papers to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday, September 30, challenging the measure which, the Capitol said, would regulate, rather than prohibit, GMO use in local agriculture.
The GMO-Free Negros Coalition, which includes farmers, church leaders, civil society organizations, and consumers, led the push with a 22-page position paper signed by 39 groups and endorsed by San Carlos City Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.
The paper, addressed to Agriculture and Environment Committee Chair Board Member Andrew Montelibano, stressed that Negros Occidental’s anti-GMO safeguards — anchored in its 2007 Safeguard Against Living GMOs Ordinance and 2011 Organic Agriculture Ordinance — remain critical in protecting farmers, the environment and the province’s global standing in the organic movement.
Three more blocs followed with separate position papers: the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental, signed by president Roberto Magalona and 39 members; a joint statement from First Farmers Holding Corporation and the First Farmers Planters Association, led by Rafael Lizares, Jr. and Nicolas Ledesma, Jr.; and the Negrosanon Youth under the Rise for Roots Movement, backed by 50 student leaders and student-journalists.
The coalition’s statement warned that introducing GMO crops would expose Negros farmers to livelihood risks, citing studies on potential health and environmental impacts.
It also called for transparent and inclusive public hearings, accessible scientific data, and greater support for sustainable farming systems instead of opening the door to biotechnology interests.
“By embracing this path, Negros Occidental will continue to be a model of sustainable agriculture, food security and organic excellence — not a testing ground for GMO interests,” the coalition said.
The groups further urged provincial leaders to reaffirm their commitment to host the Organic World Congress in 2027, warning that any weakening of the province’s GMO safeguards could cast doubt on its credibility as the country’s organic leader.
Earlier, the GMO-Free Negros Coalition argued that Negros Occidental is under no legal obligation after the provincial government’s joint legal-scientific team recommended amendments to its existing GMO ordinance to harmonize local rules with the national policy framework.
They stressed that the circular sets only minimum national standards and cannot override the constitutional authority of local governments to impose stricter safeguards, including outright bans.
“Negros must defend its heritage and safeguard the future of the next generations. To open the door to GMOs would put farmers, ecosystems and food sovereignty at grave risk,” the coalition said in a statement.
Meanwhile, more than 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./CJ, WDJ