• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday (Sept. 11) committed continuing support to the organic agriculture movement amid strong opposition from advocates and allied groups to the proposed genetically modified organism (GMO) regulatory ordinance being deliberated by the Provincial Board.
“The organic movement will continue. You can expect support from the province,” Lacson said on the sidelines of the Provincial Development Council meeting at Nature’s Village in Talisay City.
Lacson said he directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to give more attention to organic farmers “under the care of the province”, adding that they will be introducing a greenhouse farming method expected to start in 2026.
He also tasked Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II to ask the Provincial Engineering Office to design the greenhouse.
“If it is successful, they (organic farmers) will be able to increase their production,” Lacson said.
Organic farming advocates are strongly opposing the testing, introduction, or cultivation of GMOs in Negros Occidental, which they said is globally recognized as the “Organic Agriculture Capital of the Philippines”.
The groups said the provincial government is under no legal obligation to amend its landmark anti-living GMO ordinance to conform with the national government agencies’ joint department circular.
They also argued that the circular is merely an administrative issuance that sets minimum national standards for the release of GMOs and does not mandate alignment from local government units.
Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano, chairperson of the committees on agriculture, and environment and natural resources, earlier said they are open to suggestions from organic farming advocates opposing the proposed ordinance.
Montelibano encouraged them to submit their position papers next week, detailing their suggestions – what they want to adjust, add, or replace in the ordinance.
“We will see if it is feasible. If there’s something we need to rephrase in our ordinance, we are more than willing to do it,” he added. | GB
