.::. BAR Chronicle .::. A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

Vol. 4 No. 9
Aug 1-31, 2003
Bt gains popularity in the Philippines
by BIC Press Release

Farmers from Dingras and Vintar, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines recently expressed the benefits they gained from planting Bt corn. They say that this genetically-modified crop has increased their harvest and profits. The farmers further stated that they liked planting Bt corn because it is pest-resistant, high-yielding, and the corn kernels are bigger than the traditional variety they used to plant.

These were the testimonials that farmers made during a recent media encounter sponsored by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Biotechnology Information Center held at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Last February, the farmers were convinced to plant Bt corn by the Provincial Office of the Department of Agriculture(DA) and the provincial government. They wanted to pilot-test the Bt corn on 10 hectares. The farmers were given soft loans to procure Monsanto's YieldGard variety, fertilizers, and contract the necessary labor.

The Provincial Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services in Batangas has declared that Bt corn is safe for human and animal consumption, and does not pose risks to the environment.

A risk management study headed by Dr. Saturnina Halos, Agricultural Biotechnology Advisory team chairperson, was also conducted in accordance with the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8, which served as the basis for the government to allow the planting of Bt corn. According to Halos, Bt corn is just as nutritious and healthful as other native varieties and does not bear allergens.