Through the studies, answers to the negative issues raised against Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), corn in the country can be found, it was asserted by participants in the "Training-Workshop on Biotechnology: Principles, applications, Issues, and Concerns" held recently at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in this southern Philippines city.
The activity was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD), International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications-Southeast Asia Center (ISAAA-SEAC), and the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMARRDEC), in cooperation with the SEAMEO Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA-BIC).
The training-workshop participants were officials and agriculturists of local government units (LGUs). The participants recommended that Bt corn field trials should continue to find answers to the concerns raised by those opposing the technology to determine if it works in corn areas in the country.
Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium that naturally occurs in soil. Through genetic engineering, a specific gene of Bt has been introduced into a corn variety. The Bt corn produces its natural pesticide against the Asian corn borer, which heavily destroys corn crops every year.
So far, two field trials on Bt corn have been conducted in the country — both in Mindanao. The trials were approved by the National Biosafety Committee of the Philippines (NCBP), a DOST-attached agency that regulates biotechnology activities in the country.
The first trial was done by the UP Los Baños Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) and Agroseed Corp. at Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, South Cotabato, from Dec. 15, 1999 to March 19, 2000.
The second was done in Polomolok by the UPLB-IPB and the Pioneer H-Bred Philippines from Jan. 8 to April 2, 2001.
Results of both trials showed that Bt corn was highly resistant to the Asian corn borer compared to the traditional variety which was devastated by the pest.
The Davao City meeting participants also recommended the launch of a sustained campaign on biotechnology for the public sector, LGUs, church-based groups, and the media, particularly in the provinces where Bt corn trials are proposed to be implemented.
At present, Bt corn trials are being conducted by Monsanto in Isabela, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
The conference speakers emphasized that genetic engineering is a potent tool in improving Philippine agriculture through the development and utilization of GM crops.
"While there are limited trials conducted for Bt corn, public research agencies like the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and UPLB are conducting genetic engineering at different phases of Research for crops important to the country such as rice, corn, banana, coconut, mango, and papaya," they reported.
They further asserted: "While President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Policy Statement issued last July is for the ‘promotion of the safe and responsible use of biotechnology products’, there is a need to accelerate the commercialization guidelines for the use of GM products and foods."