A group of organic farmers in Negros Occidental is calling on the provincial government to uphold the province’s long-standing commitment to being GMO-free, as they expressed strong opposition to the proposed GMO Regulatory Ordinance now being discussed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The MASIPAG Provincial Consultative Body (PCB)–Negros, led by chairperson Myrna Decendario, held a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Bacolod City, to voice their opposition to the proposed measure.
Decendario said their group, composed of small farmers and people’s organizations advocating for sustainable and organic agriculture, believe the ordinance threatens Negros’ identity as the Organic Capital of the Philippines.
“The entry of GMOs will not only harm our soil and environment but will also impact the livelihood and culture of our farmers,” Decendario said.
She added that genetically modified corn would increase farmers’ dependence on costly imported seeds and chemicals from large corporations, putting small farmers at a disadvantage.
In their open letter to the provincial government, the group said the ordinance disregards the precautionary principle and scientific evidence showing the harmful effects of GMOs on health, soil, and the environment.
“The proponents are favoring the interests of big corporations rather than the welfare of our farmers and the people,” the group said.
MASIPAG–Negros called on Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to reject the ordinance and maintain Negros as GMO-free, saying this is vital in protecting the province’s organic agriculture program and its reputation as a model for sustainable farming.
The group also urged Negrenses to unite in defending the province’s organic legacy and to stand for the rights of farmers and food security.
They cited that the cities of Kabankalan and Binalbagan have already passed resolutions expressing their opposition to GMO planting in their jurisdictions.
MASIPAG’s open letter emphasized that introducing GMOs could lead to increased dependency on chemical inputs, reduced biodiversity, and the erosion of traditional farming practices such as seed saving and exchange, which have long been part of the Negrense cultural heritage.*