Ninh binh: The local campaign opposing the proposed ordinance allowing the entry of living genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Negros Occidental has gained broad global backing, with 51 organizations from nearly 20 countries expressing support at the ongoing 8th Organic Asia Congress in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. In a statement on Thursday, Edgardo Uychiat, co-convenor of GMO-Free Negros Coalition and president of Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation, thanked the international organic community for standing with the Negrense advocates in their unwavering commitment to a GMO-free Negros.
According to Philippines News Agency, Uychiat highlighted that the messages of support and solidarity strengthen their resolve to protect the integrity of their ecosystems, safeguard the health of their people, and preserve the unique identity of Negros as the "Organic Capital of the Philippines." Uychiat, who is also a board member of International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organics International, is attending the 8th Organic Asia Congress until Sept. 19, alongside Negrense co-convenor Ramon Uy Jr., a board member of IFOAM Organics Asia, and Bernadette San Juan, director of the National Organic Agriculture Program of the Department of Agriculture.
The proposed "Negros Occidental GMO Regulatory Ordinance," initially passed by the Provincial Board on second reading on Aug. 26, seeks to reverse the province's 18-year-old GMO ban under Provincial Ordinance No. 07, Series of 2007 or "The Safeguard Against Living Genetically Modified Organisms." The GMO-Free Negros Coalition, composed of farmers, civil society organizations, church groups, consumers, and other advocates, submitted a position paper to the Provincial Board on Sept. 8, a day before the committees on agriculture and environment held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.
Uychiat emphasized that the overwhelming support from organic farmers, advocates, researchers, and organizations across Asia and around the world affirms that their struggle is not theirs alone but part of a global movement for a sustainable and just food system. Those expressing support include the Global Alliance for Organic Districts, Young Organic Global Network, and IFOAM Seeds Platform, as well as groups and networks from countries such as Italy, Belgium, Spain, Germany, United States, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Japan, Mongolia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Ghana, and Kyrgyzstan.
Uychiat stated that Negros Island will continue to serve as a living example that organic and GMO-free farming are both viable and essential for future generations. He expressed gratitude to their international allies, noting that their support strengthens their resolve, their solidarity protects their mission, and their shared vision ensures that Negros-and the world-remains a thriving home for life, not a testing ground for genetic engineering.
On the sidelines of the 8th Organic Asia Congress, IFOAM Organics Asia president Mathew John, who was a guest during the 17th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival and 2nd Terra Madre Visayas last year, remarked that Negros Island has been known for its identity as "a GMO-free island" for the past two decades. He noted that it has built a strong reputation in the world of organic agriculture and announced that the Organic World Congress will be held there in 2027, which he considers a great honor for Negros Island.
John also expressed concerns that the introduction of GMOs could undermine the diversity, richness, and culture of the people, stating that it would be unfortunate if the strength of organic agriculture is diluted. He emphasized that the people from Negros Island, the Philippines, and around the world should share their concerns against living GMOs.
In defense of the proposed ordinance, the Negros Occidental provincial government's joint legal-scientific team argued that there is a compelling need to amend the existing GMO ordinance to ensure consistency with the national policy framework on GMO regulation. They added that through the ordinance, the province reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding food security, protecting the farmers, and embracing science-based innovation while upholding its organic identity.
