Monsanto backs strict RP rules on biotech products

Global agricultural research company Monsanto recently said it supports the Philippine government in its strict approach to the adoption and commercialization of plants and plant products that have undergone the biotechnology or genetic engineering process.

Monsanto government and public affairs director Noel Borlongan said the Philippines has one of the strictest regulations concerning biotech plants and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Philippine laws do not allow the random entry or introduction of said products, especially those that pertain to the agriculture sector. An inter-agency body called the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) oversees and regulates research activities involving engineering or the introduction of related products.

Borlongan said the country’s strict regulations "ensure that genetically engineered products introduced into the Philippines adhere to the highest standards of safety, both for the benefit of people and environment".

He added that the meticulous process of field-testing required by the government "allows for prospective beneficiaries to thoroughly examine both the scientific and social issues involved".

Monsanto is currently working with the NCBP on the possible commercialization of a biotechnology-processed corn variety labeled worldwide as YieldGard. Borlongan said the variety has just recently been tested in various regions for their performance under wet and dry season conditions.

The variety is now currently widely used in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Borlongan said initial farm test results showed that YieldGard is capable of producing up an average of 20-40 percent higher harvest levels than traditional corn varieties used in local farms. The higher yield comes with significantly reduced chemical insecticide application. The biotechnology process enabled YieldGard to acquire natural high resistance to the Asiatic Corn Borer, the worst plague in local corn farms.

Borlongan, however, pointed out that "Philippine regulations on biosafety are not so restrictive so as to remove incentives for continuing research."

The regulators scrutinize the research process but are also sensitive to the need to encourage the flourishing of appropriate biotechnology research, Borlongan added.

President Arroyo issued early this year a policy statement naming modern biotechnology as one of the anchors of her government’s program to achieve food sufficiency and food security.