GMO moratorium sends very bad signal for partners, investors – BCP
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
The Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP) slammed the adverse repercussions of the recent decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) to halt all commercial development and propagation of golden rice and Bt Talong (eggplant) on the agriculture industry and national food security.
“This ruling disregarded the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of these modern biotechnology products. Bt Talong and Golden Rice – similar to other genetically engineered products approved for commercial use in the country – are the fruits of decades of rigorous scientific research and development by reputable public institutions such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). These products have undergone extensive biosafety assessments and field trials, demonstrating their safety and potential in decreasing pesticide use and reducing the incidence of night blindness – critical issues in Philippine agriculture and public health,” the statement read.
Apart from making local farmers dependent on traditional crops that are prone to pests and the challenges presented by climate change, the BCP decried the court’s disregard for the glaring scientific evidence presented in favor of biotechnology. It dealt an even heavier blow to gains of researchers and government regulators by halting current researches involving GMOs. This, the BCP said, puts the country in a very bad light in terms of potential partnerships and investors.
“The decision to halt the commercial propagation of genetically modified crops could lead to a significant reduction in research funding, as donors and funding agencies often seek stable regulatory environments before committing resources. Similarly, potential international collaborators may view the regulatory atmosphere in the Philippines as uncertain or hostile to biotechnology, deterring partnerships that could advance local science and technology,” the statement further argued.
With these important considerations, the BCP called for the swift reversal of its decision, and called on the Philippine government to continue supporting responsible development of agricultural biotechnology. The group also expressed openness to engage with all stakeholders to foster a constructive dialogue regarding agricultural biotechnology.
“This ruling disregarded the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of these modern biotechnology products. Bt Talong and Golden Rice – similar to other genetically engineered products approved for commercial use in the country – are the fruits of decades of rigorous scientific research and development by reputable public institutions such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). These products have undergone extensive biosafety assessments and field trials, demonstrating their safety and potential in decreasing pesticide use and reducing the incidence of night blindness – critical issues in Philippine agriculture and public health,” the statement read.
Apart from making local farmers dependent on traditional crops that are prone to pests and the challenges presented by climate change, the BCP decried the court’s disregard for the glaring scientific evidence presented in favor of biotechnology. It dealt an even heavier blow to gains of researchers and government regulators by halting current researches involving GMOs. This, the BCP said, puts the country in a very bad light in terms of potential partnerships and investors.
“The decision to halt the commercial propagation of genetically modified crops could lead to a significant reduction in research funding, as donors and funding agencies often seek stable regulatory environments before committing resources. Similarly, potential international collaborators may view the regulatory atmosphere in the Philippines as uncertain or hostile to biotechnology, deterring partnerships that could advance local science and technology,” the statement further argued.
With these important considerations, the BCP called for the swift reversal of its decision, and called on the Philippine government to continue supporting responsible development of agricultural biotechnology. The group also expressed openness to engage with all stakeholders to foster a constructive dialogue regarding agricultural biotechnology.
