Strict implementation of EIS rules on projs in agri lands urged

A civil society group is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reinforce rules requiring companies to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) for environmentally-critical projects done in prime agricultural lands.

Roberto Verzola, leader of the Philippine Greens Institute (PGI), said the DENR should issue another special order reiterating the implementation of Department Administrative Order 37 which outlines rules on field testing of GM crops since this has never been enforced since 2002.

"The non-enforcement of the EIS system rules and regulations has exposed the country’s agricultural sector, including the surrounding communities, to serious environmental consequences which already pose hazards to the normal functioning of the ecosystem," said Verzola.

He noted that since the first field testing of GM corn in General Santos City in June 2000 until the most recent one in South Cotabato last July 2002, the EIS system established by PD 1586, was never implemented by the DENR.

The field testing of GM crops which was done in more than 10 sites in the country, is considered a necessity by its proponents such as Monsanto Philippines Inc. and Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines Inc. to test the efficacy of the genetically-engineered corn against the stem borer, a well-known pest of the corn plant.

Verzola explained that the build-up of pest resistance also leads to the appearance of superweeds and superpests, including the loss of soil viability and eventually, the loss diversity of local flora and fauna. This does not even include the allergenic reactions of individuals in host communities where their over-all health is being imperiled, he added.

"More concretely, these field tests have put at risk the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, one of the prime movers of the economy and our food security," stressed Verzola.

The Philippines as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity is required to adopt guidelines for incorporating biodiversity-related issues into environment impact assessment legislation.

To date, only South Africa is applying the EIS system to the field testing of GM crops, especially when the field testing is done in formerly forest and virgin lands.

Verzola said imposing the submission of the EIS system prior to field testing of GM crops will among others enable the proper authorities to clarify independently the environmental impact of these field tests; pinpoint liability in cases of occurrence of adverse environmental effects including health problems; determine social acceptability; set standards for good conduct that may be required of proponents and constitute best practices for biosafety regulation.

In the Philippines, the existing regulatory framework is outlined under DENR AO 37 which requires the initial environmental examination for activities in environmentally-critical areas, and one such area identified in the administrative order is the area classified as prime agricultural lands.

This however, has not been incorporated in Department of Agriculture administrative order 8 issued in 2002 which include guidelines for the conduct of field testing of GM crops.