NATIONAL CORN FEDERATION SUPPORTS BIOTECH POLICY

The Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. (PMFI), an association of corn stakeholders in the country, recently approved a resolution supporting the National Governments policy of adapting biotechnology as a national strategy for improving agricultural productivity and attaining global competitiveness.

    The Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. (PMFI), an association of corn stakeholders in the country, recently approved a resolution supporting the National Governments policy of adapting biotechnology as a national strategy for improving agricultural productivity and attaining global competitiveness.

This was made during the 1st National Corn Congress held last month at Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The event was attended by officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) led by DA Secretary Leonardo Montemayor, Secretary for Million Jobs Luis Lorenzo, local government units, private companies, and farmers from North and South Mindanao.

   PMFIs resolution recognized biotechnology as 'a potent tool for addressing food security and environmental concerns in the face of declining farm productivity, decreasing agricultural area, deteriorating land quality and rising rural poverty.

   Sen. Edgardo Angara, the principal author of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and one of the guest speakers of the event also expressed his support for biotechnology. Sen. Angara said, I am in favor of biotechnology just as I am in favor of GMOs. If it can be proven that Bt corn will not harm our people, as well as the environment, I am all for it. That is why I am in favor of Bt corn field testing because we would not be able to find out whether this is helpful or not unless we go on with this testing."

He added that Bt corn field trials would not have been allowed if they pose a threat to the environment. These testings were authorized by the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP), a commission under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), said Sen. Angara. This is also monitored by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) under the Department of Agriculture."

   PMFI emphasized that the adoption of the science will set the stage for the acceleration of agricultural development. It will also enhance the production of agricultural crops that will assist in attaining food security and diversify agricultural production for export.