The proposed genetically modified organisms (GMO) regulatory ordinance of Negros Occidental safeguards food security, protects farmers, and embraces science-based innovation while upholding the province’s organic identity, a legal-scientific team of the provincial government said in a joint statement Thursday, Sept. 4.
“The provincial government of Negros Occidental affirms its commitment to ensuring that local agricultural policies remain science-based, aligned with national regulations, and responsive to the needs of our people,” the statement signed by Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr., Project Development Officer III Justin Briones, and Environment Management Specialist I Diana Samson said.
Leaders from church, environment, organic farming, and civil society groups issued a joint declaration on Tuesday, September 2, opposing the testing of GMOs in Negros Occidental as outlined in the proposed ordinance.
“Negros Occidental must remain GMO-free. Its destiny lies in being a model for ecological food systems, not a testing ground for technologies that threaten our land, our health, and our future,” their joint declaration read.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is encouraging those with concerns about the proposed ordinance to join a public hearing to be conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday.
“The sectors concerned will be given a chance to speak and be heard,” he said.
The provincial government’s legal-scientific team, in its joint statement, said there is a compelling need to amend the existing GMO ordinance of Negros Occidental to ensure consistency with the national policy framework on GMO regulation under Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. 01, Series of 2021. The circular was jointly issued by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The proposed Negros Occidental GMO Regulatory Ordinance seeks to harmonize the province’s local framework with national policy, the team said.
“Under this Circular, any introduction, use, or commercialization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains strictly subject to the evaluation, approval, and permitting processes of the National Biosafety Committee and its relevant regulatory agencies,” it said.
Harmonizing the provincial ordinance with JDC 2021 will not only uphold the province’s commitment to safeguard public health, the environment, and agricultural integrity, but will also ensure that local legislation remains legally sound and firmly aligned with national policy, the team said.
The DILG’s role under the JDC is to oversee the proper implementation of the Circular in relation to activities undertaken at the local government level.
The Negros Occidental provincial government recognizes that LGUs must align their local policies with national standards to prevent inconsistencies, strengthen biosafety regulations, and uphold the rights of their people to safe, sustainable, and secure food sources, the team said.
The legal-scientific team said coexistence between organic, conventional, and GM crops is possible and already practiced in countries such as those in the European Union, where strict monitoring and buffer zones are implemented.
“Organic certification systems recognize that unintentional presence of GMOs does not automatically invalidate organic status. With sound biosafety monitoring, Negros can protect its organic sector while also allowing technological progress,” it said.
While Negros Occidental is proud of its organic farming heritage, it also faces challenges such as climate change, pest outbreaks, and food security threats. Biotechnology provides tools to help us overcome these issues, it added.
A balanced approach allows us to honor our culture while embracing science, the team said.
The Negros Occidental provincial government assures that “the proposed ordinance does not abandon the values of sustainability and cultural heritage. Rather, it strengthens our capacity to respond to modern agricultural challenges by aligning local law with national policy and scientific evidence,” the team said.*