Farmers group calls on LGUs to campaign vs. GM crops

Farmer-led umbrella group Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag) has exhorted local government units (LGUs) in the country to join the campaign against the commercial release of genetically modified crops Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant.

This after the Supreme Court (SC) granted a Writ of Kalikasan to the petitioners led by Masipag, who sought to stop the commercial propagation of genetically modified rice and eggplant products over environmental and health concerns and compliance with legal requirements.

Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) –to file a verified return within 10 days from service of the writ.

In 2021, the DA approved the propagation of beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice, also known as Golden Rice, in 17 pioneer production areas across the country, including in the Mindanao provinces of Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Golden Rice, patented by transnational agrochemical corporation Syngenta, is a type of rice inserted with genes from maize and bacterium found in soil.

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The activity was also joined by envoys and officials from the city administrator; Councilor Augusto Javier Campos III, chair of the Committee on International Relations; Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification; Councilor Bernie Al-ag, chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry; Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair on the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means and Appropriation; April FSTRONGER, P10