National scientists, academicians, top scientists sign National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines Position on the Court of Appeals’ decision on Bt Talong and Golden Rice
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
Five national scientists, 42 academicians, and 3 members of NAST PHL divisions signed the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) Agricultural Sciences Division position against the recent decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) which effectively put yet another moratorium on the use of Bt Talong and Golden Rice.
The experts, researchers, and scientists added their voice to the clamor to reverse the CA decision, citing it’s chilling impact to the agriculture industry in the Philippines as well as the thrust of the country towards achieving food security.
“NAST reiterates its support for the use of modern biotechnology in plant breeding and expresses its concern that the court decision unnecessarily delays its overdue innovations.” NAST PHL Agricultural Sciences Division said in its position.
“We are finally concerned that the continuing delay in the use of Bt Talong and Golden Rice is causing more harm than good. As we try to placate the minority which is ideologically against these modern technologies, who will be satisfied only if these technologies are kept away permanently from farmers and consumers, millions die and more suffer from the harmful effects of technologies they seek to replace.”, it added.
NAST PHL has six divisions: Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Health Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences, composed of National Scientists, Academicians, and Corresponding members, the top scientists in the country.
As an attached agency of DOST, it is the government’s highest advisory and recognition body in Science and Technology.
The experts, researchers, and scientists added their voice to the clamor to reverse the CA decision, citing it’s chilling impact to the agriculture industry in the Philippines as well as the thrust of the country towards achieving food security.
“NAST reiterates its support for the use of modern biotechnology in plant breeding and expresses its concern that the court decision unnecessarily delays its overdue innovations.” NAST PHL Agricultural Sciences Division said in its position.
“We are finally concerned that the continuing delay in the use of Bt Talong and Golden Rice is causing more harm than good. As we try to placate the minority which is ideologically against these modern technologies, who will be satisfied only if these technologies are kept away permanently from farmers and consumers, millions die and more suffer from the harmful effects of technologies they seek to replace.”, it added.
NAST PHL has six divisions: Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Health Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences, composed of National Scientists, Academicians, and Corresponding members, the top scientists in the country.
As an attached agency of DOST, it is the government’s highest advisory and recognition body in Science and Technology.
