THE FIVE-DAY Terra Madre (Mother Earth) festival in Bacolod City (November 19–23) is clearly not running smoothly; in fact, it has been bumpy from the start. Even the opening rites held at the Capitol Lagoon on Wednesday morning, November 19, left much to be desired.
A notable commotion erupted while Negros Occidental’s Gov. Bong Lacson was delivering his welcome remarks. Organized Negros organic farmers staged a lightning protest right in front of the governor, flashing placards bearing the words “NO TO GMO.”
GMO — genetically modified organism — is now the most contentious issue confronting the provincial government. Despite Negros Occidental’s 18-year-old distinction as the “Organic Farming Capital of the Philippines” under Provincial Ordinance No. 07-2007, which declares the province GMO-free, the Capitol is now pushing for GMO entry.
The governor maintained his composure despite what many saw as an “insult” delivered on his home ground. Still, it was clear from his demeanor that Lacson was unsettled by the uproar over GMO — especially in front of an international audience.
He was absent from the Governor’s Night event later that evening.
‘REJECT GMO’
Another unfiltered moment during the opening ceremonies came from Ugandan national Edward Mukiibi, president of Slow Food International.
On stage — right in front of the provincial leadership — Mukiibi struggled to hide his dismay upon learning that after 18 years of being GMO-free, Negros Occidental is now positioning itself to accept GMO technologies.
He recounted his first visit years ago: “I saw here a lot of organic farmers, organic producers, and organic farming landscapes.”
For a global slow food and organic farming advocate like him, the idea that Negros could be “invaded” by GMO — a threat feared to contaminate the province’s fertile soil and bring potential health and environmental hazards — was bewildering.
His message was concise yet profound: “Reject industrialization! Reject GMO!”
Instead, he urged Negrenses to champion biodiversity and celebrate diversity.
A weighty message, indeed.
PERSISTENT, CONSISTENT
Since the GMO controversy erupted at the Capitol in August, Negros’ pro-organic farming advocates have been increasingly vocal — and their numbers continue to grow.
From a little over 20 groups, the coalition has now ballooned to 82 organizations: organic farmers, food producers, the academe, youth groups, the Catholic Church, scientists and researchers, women’s groups, businesses, environmental advocates, and more.
To figuratively shake the Capitol and amplify their message, these groups banded together under a broader coalition called “GMO-Free Negros.”
Their strategy? Maximize the international spotlight of Terra Madre Asia and Pacific by making their “NO TO GMO” message visible to more than 2,000 foreign delegates from 24 countries.
Every day, organic farmers roamed the event venues wearing t-shirts with pinned placards declaring: “Scrap Proposed GMO Ordinance.”
A clever and effective move.
Their persistence — and consistency — clearly matters.
‘LAST HURRAH!’
Then came the coalition’s most intriguing message posted on Facebook: “Last Hurrah!”
No explanation. No elaboration.
But a highly reliable source tells me this: If the proposed pro-GMO measure (the Negros Occidental GMO Ordinance) is approved, organic farmers and advocates will withdraw entirely from all provincial, national, and international engagements related to organic farming.
Is that nerve-wracking?
Absolutely.
And here’s why:
‘CHANGE IN HEART?’
It bears mentioning that Negros Occidental is set to host the prestigious triennial Organic World Congress (OWC) in 2027—an event it won over Brisbane, Australia in a competitive bidding held last year in Taiwan.
The OWC is sanctioned by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the world’s foremost organic farming body.
Lacson even brought 14 Negros mayors to Taiwan to bolster the province’s bid. They returned home triumphant.
Here’s Lacson’s memorable statement after winning:
“Hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide.”
But now, with the proposed pro-GMO ordinance, we must ask: Is there a change of heart on the part of the governor? Did he foresee the deep embarrassment that awaits if Negros’ organic farmers boycott the 2027 OWC?
What will Negros Occidental showcase to the world if its own organic farmers disengage out of protest?
TAKE A STAND
Lacson now faces a constrained choice: withdraw or pursue the pro-GMO measure.
He can no longer simply defer to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, who has been outspoken about supporting GMO.
The governor must speak. He must decide. He must address the GMO issue before it becomes too late. Silence will not help him.
In the worst scenario, it could usher in the very shame now looming.
Let’s sincerely hope it does not come to that./PN
