• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Board has temporarily set aside discussions on the proposed Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Regulatory Ordinance, which is being vehemently opposed by the organic farming advocates.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will focus on the budget deliberations until the end of November.
Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano, chairperson of the committee on agriculture, earlier said he will schedule another conference on the proposed ordinance.
This is part of an effort to gather the sentiments from both proponents and opponents of the ordinance, which aims to allow GMOs while maintaining clear separation from organic farms, he added.
The provincial government has affirmed support for the proposed regulatory ordinance, which is intended to harmonize the province’s existing GMO policy with the Joint Department Circular No. 1 released in 2021.
During the conference, Montelibano said his committee will listen to all sides and refrain from making any comment.
“For me, our decision will depend on the many, not on the few,” he said.
On Nov. 19 to 23, Negros Occidental will host the five-day Terra Madre Asia and Pacific (TMAP) the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.
Organizers said more than 2,000 delegates from more than 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific will converge during the Slow Food movement’s premier global event, which promotes organic farming and related activities. | GB
