Student leaders from across Negros Occidental declared their unified opposition to the entry of living genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the province during a summit on Friday, September 19.
The event, “Rise for Roots: Negros Youth Action Planning,” brought together student councils, campus publications, and youth organizations to discuss the role of young people in safeguarding democracy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security, a press release from the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment said.
In a joint declaration, the participants stated that while they share the goal of food security, they believe the “risks posed by GMOs outweigh any purported benefits”.
The declaration emphasizes that food security should not be controlled by corporations or driven by short-term profits, but instead must be “grounded in the rights of farmers, the health of our people, and the protection of our environment.”
Dr. Ruth Gamboa, former chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies at UP Mindanao, shared her insights on the impacts of GMOs on health and the environment.
Discussions also focused on the effects of GMOs on livelihoods, and student leaders developed action plans for youth-led initiatives.
“Addressing food security in Negros is critical, but pushing GMOs as the sole solution is short-sighted,” said Tanya Aguirre, editor-in-chief of The Technopacer from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University-Talisay Campus.
“It’s alarming that this ordinance passed second reading without public consultation or transparency. We demand public hearings and meaningful dialogs…Right now, it feels like we’re being betrayed”, she added.
The proposed actions include campus awareness campaigns, features in campus publications, social media initiatives, and coordinated mobilizations to amplify the youth’s stance.
The gathering ended with a call for the full implementation of Negros Occidental’s landmark GMO ban and organic agriculture ordinances, as well as stronger government support for processing facilities, value chains, and empowering local farmers, the press release said.*