Negros Occidental SP vows fair review of GMO ordinance

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has pledged a balanced and inclusive review of the province’s ordinance regulating the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), amid mounting debates over proposed amendments.

Board Member Andrew Montelibano, chair of the SP Committee on Food and Agriculture, said during Tuesday’s public hearing that anti-GMO groups have been given a week to submit their final position papers.

Montelibano acknowledged the strong opposition from organic advocates but emphasized that the province must also consider the diverse preferences of local farmers.

“I have no problem supporting organic farming, but at the same time, not everyone in Negros Occidental wants to go organic,” he said.

He noted that while a significant number of farmers practice organic methods, there is also a larger group using conventional or biotech approaches.

“We should harmonize this,” he said, adding that GMOs are already widespread in agriculture.

“Whether you like it or not, GMO is everywhere,” he said.

“We believe organic alone is not sufficient; at the end of the day, the people of the province have a choice.”

Montelibano said the goal is to ensure separation between organic and GMO farms to avoid cross-contamination.

“To say that GMO is not allowed at all — what happens then if other places are already using GMO?” he asked.

He assured stakeholders that the provincial government will implement safeguards and consider all perspectives.

“To be fair enough, we also want to hear their side,” he added.

The public hearing at the Provincial Capitol Session Hall drew a large crowd, including organic farmers, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders.

The GMO-Free Negros Coalition reiterated its call to maintain a total ban, warning that even regulated GMO use could lead to cross-pollination, higher farming costs, threats to livelihoods, and long-term environmental and health risks.

The coalition also argued that lifting the ban would erode Negros Occidental’s reputation as the Philippines’ “Organic Capital.”

In contrast, the provincial government invited Dr. Reynante Ordonio, Scientist I at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), to explain the benefits and potential impacts of GMO adoption.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said that after nearly two decades of promoting organic farming, the province has yet to achieve food self-sufficiency or significant agricultural progress.

He said science-based innovation, including GMO use, could help boost productivity and food security.

Some farmers argued that the problem lies not with organic farming itself but with inadequate government support and investment in the sector.

The proposed amendment to the ordinance aims to align with national policy under Joint Department Circular No. 01, series of 2021, which sets biosafety and regulatory standards for GMOs in the Philippines.

Diaz said the measure intends to strike a balance between food security, farmer protection, and scientific innovation, while still preserving the province’s organic branding.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson declined to comment until the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has officially acted on the proposed amendment.

“I will wait for the Sangguniang’s decision before I make a comment,” he told reporters.