PH officials look forward to mass adoption of GMOs

Genetically altered crops with multiple genes from other organisms are expected to increase in number as more Filipino growers adopt them.

Bureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron said in a statement that the agency had already “reviewed and approved” 67 genetic modifications of plants, or what scientists call transformation events.

Of these transformation events, eight are set to receive government approval for propagation, Barron said.

The plants under study include variants of corn, soy beans, potatoes, cotton, alfalfa, canola and sugar beet.

Barron expects mass adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to gain ground, adding that “70 percent of farmers using GM corn are already propagating crops with double traits and the use of three or four stacked traits may not be far off.”

Stacked traits mean that more than one gene from another organism was used in altering the crop. An example is the controversial Bt (Bacillus thuringensis) corn, which was engineered to produce enhanced kernels, resulting in an increase in yield while reducing the rate of soil erosion.

Barron said a scientific and technical review panel that will assess the applications for permit to propagate has been augmented to hasten the process.

“Of course, we will be reviewing our guidelines,” Barron said, adding that bureau’s regulatory process would continue to be covered by Administrative Order No. 8.

The order implements the guidelines for importation and release into the environment of plants and plant products derived using biotechnology.

Acknowledging that there will always be opposition to the propagation of GMO crops, Barron called on proponents to stop field tests in areas “that do not want” these plants, particularly the Bt eggplant—the first GMO vegetable in Asia.—Ronnel W. Domingo