DENR exec pushes for genetically modified organisms in food production

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms, could help ensure food security for the country, according to the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).

“The government recognized that modern biotechnology has great potential for human well-being if developed and used with adequate safety measures for the environment and human health,” Marcial Amaro Jr., ERDB national director, told reporters here on Tuesday.

He said the government has put in place measures, in line with the Cartagena Protocol, to ensure that research geared toward food production and food security involving genetically modified organisms (GMO) is safe.

The Cartagena Protocol focuses on preventing the contamination of the environment and other organinisms by any living modified organism resulting from modern biotechnology. The protocol defines measures that prevent the adverse effect of GMOs to ensure the sustainable use of biological diversity.

Amaro admitted that resistance to the use of GMO in food production continues but added this was due to the critics’ outright rejection of scientific studies.

He said critics have pre-conditioned their minds that GMOs were hazardous to human and environmental safety even if they did not have basis.

Amaro said with many studies done in the past, the government is now confident that risks, if any, in connection with the use of GMOs in food production can be readily addressed.

Veronica Sinohin, DENR’s alternate representative to the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines, said much has been achieved with GMOs with respect to research and safety measures based on international frameworks.

She said what the NCBP is doing now is formulate public policies that have to do with biosafety and for increased food security for the country. –Bobby Lagsa, Inquirer Mindanao