The planting of genetically modified organisms is also
prohibited in Negros Oriental.
Gregorio Paltinca, provincial agriculturist, said the ban is
in line with the agreement of the provincial government with the Negros Island
Sustainable and Rural Agricultural Development in promoting organic farming
technology.
The Department of Agriculture has announced that the Bacillus
Thuringiensis or BT corn will be included in the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani
program of the national government.
Paltinca, however, said using GMOs for corn and palay seeds
will affect the native variety and will contradict the campaign for organic
farming.
Negros Oriental has 50,000 hectares of corn areas.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental also stood its
ground in banning GMOs, despite denial of support from DA.
Unfazed by the stand of DA, Governor Joseph Maranon said " we
have to study what is the legal side of the local government units".
Agriculture Undersecretary Nernie Fondevilla, in a letter to
Maranon, said the DA is barred from banning genetically-modified products that
have been approved and declared safe, adding it runs counter to the national
policy of promoting safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology.
Maranon had asked DA active participation in imposing the ban
on the entry, importation, growing,. plating, selling and trading of
genetically-modified plants and animals in Negros Occidental, that was approved
by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last year.
Major GMO bans under an ordinance passed by the Negros
Occidental SP cover entry of living GMOs and experimentation and or field
testing related to it, planting, growing, selling or trading, which are
considered toxic to humans and animals.
Fondevilla said that while the DA respects the decision of
the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the agency cannot counter the
national policy issued by President Arroyo.
"Our position remains as is. We have already an ordinance for this," Maranon
stressed.
