BACOLOD City – Church leaders, civil society groups, scientists, and organic farming advocates have signed a joint declaration opposing the proposed genetically modified organism (GMO) regulatory ordinance in Negros Occidental, citing the province’s long-standing recognition as the “Organic Capital of the Philippines.”
The declaration was issued as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) continued deliberations on the ordinance, which would allow the entry of GMOs into the province.
Opponents argued that permitting GMO testing undermines decades of efforts that established Negros Occidental as a national leader in organic farming, food sovereignty, and ecological sustainability.
“Negros Occidental must remain GMO-free. Its destiny lies in being a model for ecological food systems, not a testing ground for technologies that threaten our land, our health, and our future,” the declaration stated.
The signing on September 1 gathered a broad coalition of leaders, including Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, Fr. Julius Espinosa of Caritas Bacolod, farmer groups, indigenous communities, and environmental advocates. Organizations such as the Nisard Foundation, IFOAM Asia, KAISAHAN, MASIPAG, and grassroots associations from across the province also joined the opposition.
In response, the provincial government issued a statement through its social media page, signed by its joint legal-scientific team — Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr., Project Development Officer III Justin Briones, and Environment Management Specialist I Diana Samson.
The statement stressed the need to amend the existing provincial GMO ordinance to ensure consistency with the national policy framework on GMO regulation as outlined in Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. 01, Series of 2021. The JDC, jointly issued by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), provides the national standards for GMO regulation.
The provincial government said the proposed ordinance aims to harmonize local policies with national laws, ensuring they remain science-based, legally sound, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Under the JDC, any introduction, use, or commercialization of GMOs is subject to evaluation, approval, and permitting by the National Biosafety Committee and its regulatory agencies. The DILG is tasked to oversee proper implementation at the local government level, including the conduct of public consultations required under the Local Government Code.
“The province recognizes that LGUs must align their policies with national standards to avoid inconsistencies, strengthen biosafety regulations, and uphold the people’s right to safe, sustainable, and secure food sources,” the statement said./PN
