NGO coalition opposes tests of mutant corn in Koronadal

KORONADAL CITY – Environmental activists and church people asked the city government yesterday to junk the proposed field testing of genetically engineered corn by a multinational seed company in a farming village here.

The Philippine Greens, a broad coalition of non-governmental groups opposing tests of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the Justice and Peace Desk of the Diocese of Marbel called on the city council to ban any form of GMO testing in the area.

Monsanto Phils. earlier proposed to the city government the testing of the effectiveness and suitability of Bt corn (Bacillus Thuriengensis) to local soil and climate.

Aided by scientists from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Monsanto proposed the field testing of Bt corn in Barangay Topland, a farming village five kilometers south of this city.

Sister Susan Bolanio, who chairs the Justice and Peace Desk, said the GMO tests should not be allowed because they pose serious risks to the environment, particularly to people and animals.

She said research on GMOs showed that certain chemicals, some believed to contain carcinogenic elements, were actually used in developing them.

Bolanio admitted though that there were no medical records or facts that could attest to the harmful effects of GMOs, but argued that their proponents could not also give assurances that they would pose no harm.

Roberto Bersola, Philippine Greens secretary-general, said it would take time to discover the negative effects of GMOs.

Bersola said the NGO coalition has asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to immediately reverse a "reckless" policy of the Estrada administration approving the entry of GMO products into the country.

Meantime, Monsanto, in a statement, defended its proposed field testing of Bt corn, saying it is just trying to help local corn farmers.

The firm said Bt corn is scientifically proven to be resistant to Lepidopteran pests, particularly corn borers.

"(Bt corn) would ultimately increase corn yields by more than twice the prevailing average farm output," it said.