Third Policy Forum Highlights the Importance of Public Dialogue on Biotech Crop Adoption

The Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) in cooperation with the DA - Agricultural Training Institute held the third series of the 2024 Panglantaw Policy Forum focusing on the implications of the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision to stop the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops: Bt eggplant and Golden Rice. The forum was conducted last 17 October via Facebook Live which attracted over 1200 online participants from around the country to engage in a meaningful dialogue concerning the CA decision.

While grown in 29 countries worldwide, GM crops generated significant concerns from environmental groups and individual advocates regarding its safety for human consumption and the built environment. In the Philippines, Bt eggplant and the Golden Rice were issued the Writ of Kalikasan to stop their commercial release.

As provided for in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Writ of Kalikasan holds that “[the] State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” In presenting the activity rationale, PAA National President Dr. Karen S. Bautista discussed that CA found that the Case presents three conditions for the precautionary principle: uncertainty; possibility of irreversible harm; and possibility of serious harm.

In his opening message, PAA Chairperson Dr. Roberto F. Ranola, Jr. stressed the importance of this forum to serve as a platform for stakeholder dialogue to address public concerns in science.

“[This forum] highlights the delicate balance between innovation and regulation that must be considered and addressed…Today’s forum is an opportunity for us to come together as scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and concerned citizens to dissect the complexities of the ruling and its wider implications,” he said.

The forum featured Atty. Judd Willis A. Vitente, who represented Dr. Saturnina C. Halos from the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, as discussant. Atty. Vitente presented a comprehensive discussion on the basis of the case of the Writ of Kalikasan and the Writ of Continuing Mandamus on the GM crops. In his presentation, Atty. Vitente commented on the concerned regulators’ duty to conduct monitoring and operate regulatory frameworks. He cited that the Court is not imposing upon the regulators but is calling for the regulators to perform their duties to monitor biosafety permits. He also cited that the Court, in this Case, is calling for the regulators to enforce independent and actual monitoring of biosafety protocols for GM crops.

Joining him were Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of the International Service for Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications; and Dr. Benito A. Oliveros, Philippine Representative to US Soybean Export Council, who were invited as reactants.

Dr. Clarisse M. Gonzalvo provided the forum synthesis and her recommendations to promote science communication for public adoption of GMOs. She called for the need for a regulatory framework on the use of GM crops in the country and the importance of public awareness and education in building public trust on biotechnology crops.

The PAA would like to thank Dr. Virginia R. Cardenas, Chairperson of the PAA Committee on Philippine Qualifications Framework, for serving as forum moderator; Dr. Jessica Rey, PAA Corporate Social Responsibility Chairperson, for delivering the closing remarks; Mr. Justin Paolo Interno, Chairperson of the PAA Policy Advocacy Committee; resource persons, and organizers for their time and effort.

The recording of the forum can be accessed at the PAA official Facebook Page through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/paa.org.ph/videos/2987848964696785