Anti-GMO ordinance in effect pending review
BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Board of Negros Occidental reviewed the Ordinance 007 which imposes a total ban of genetically modified organisms (GMO) products particularly corn.
Vice Governor Dino Yulo, III said the Ordinance still stands pending its review.
"We will go for the review of the ordinance to determine whether is it still attuned to the needs of the present time. Pending review, the enforcement of the Ordinance will continue," he said.
He said that their hands are tied insofar as the moratorium of the Ordinance is considered.
The imposition of a moratorium is not within the province of the Legislative but belongs to the Executive, he said.
This Ordinance is marred with so much opposition from the livestock, breeders and hog raisers in the province because 90 percent of them are dependent on GMO feeds.
Going full organic is already expensive and the yield is not that much compared to GMO produce.
Gov. Isidro P. Zayco is urging the council to fast track its decision on the ordinance.
“The ball is with them. I will respect and support whatever decision they will have,” he said.
Board member Nehemias dela Cruz said he will move for a moratorium of the Ordinance for two years.
"The total ban on GMO products is sweeping. We need to study and prepare, thus a moratorium is necessary. Those who are very vocal on organic farming here in Negros only had gardens. I'm a corn farmer. I have a vast plantation. If I won't use pesticides which is GMO, my corn plantation will be filled with corn borers," he said.
There's a lot of products that are GMO. Just like the Insulin for Diabetic persons. "Insulin is GMO. If you ban it, a lot of people with Diabetes will also suffer,” he said.