Capitol officials joined Cebu-based organic farmers, movers and traders in opposing the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO), and pledging to keep the province free from GMO crops and products.
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and 3rd District Board Member Gigi Sanchez pledged their support for the cause along with 320 representatives from farming groups, women and youth organizations and environment advocates in a forum facilitated by Greenpeace Philippines yesterday.
“There is no better time to join because it’s getting stronger,” said environmentalist Nicanor Perlas.
“The fact that we have this forum means that people are coming together so I suggest people get involved,” added Perlas, who founded the Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies through Initiatives (Mission). Perlas has written books on sustainable development and agriculture.
Participants also signed a petition asking the Department of Agriculture to protect farms from possible GMO contamination with the proposed field testing of “golden rice”, a variety developed to curb Vitamin A deficiency.
GMO is a plant or animal that has been genetically modified through the addition of a small amount of genetic material from other organisms through molecular techniques.
While several countries such as the United States have fully embraced the technology, organic movers are opposing it saying its long-term effects on health are unknown.
Daniel Ocampo of Greenpeace Southeast Asia said a US research study showed that genetically modified rice poses harm to both people and the environment.
According to Perlas, the proven health risks of genetically modified crops far outweigh its proposed benefits.
He cited the BT-corn (Bacillus thuringiensis), a GMO variant which carries a potential toxin lethal to humans.
The whole corn now produces toxic protein including the corn grains, pollen, and leaves. The idea was to produce corn that was resistent to insects.
“ It’s a pesticide,” explained Perlas.
Commitment
Magpale said Cebu province will continue to reject the use of GMOS in the mass production of crops.
Over a decade ago, there was an attempt to apply GMOs to crops for mass production, but this was rejected due to its destructive effects, she said in her speech.
“Let us join hands and declare war against GMOs for a safe and healthy agricultural food production for Cebuanos,” she added.
According to Magpale, they will try to revive a provincial ordinance giving tax rebates to farmers who practice organic farming. The proposed measure did not push through at the time due to a number of deficiencies in the draft.
“Perlas said he will help us. It was never implemented so it’s about time we revive and implement the ordinance,” said the vice governor in a separate interview.