Protesters rally in Isabela to stop field tests of GMOs

Posted:9:18 PM (Manila Time) | October 19, 2001

Inquirer News Service

ILAGAN, Isabela--About 300 Church leaders, militant group members and
farmers in Isabela staged a lightning rally on Wednesday to assail the 
agricultural firm Monsanto over the continued field testing of the 
genetically modified Bt-corn (Bacillus thuringiensis) in the province.

The protesters massed in front of the marketing office of Monsanto in
Cauayan City and staged a noise barrage to drum up opposition against 
the ongoing Bt-corn field tests.

They also called on authorities to stop plans to pursue future field
trials of genetically modified organism (GMO)-laced crops in
the province.

The protesters burned a giant papier mache bug, which they said represented 
Monsanto, during a program.

Policemen and village watchmen were sent to the scene but no untoward
incident happened.

``The proponents of the field tests are ignoring public health and (the)
safety of the people,’’ said Fr. Gregorio Uanan, Anti-GMO Multi-Sectoral 
Alliance of Isabela (Agamais) spokesperson and Diocese of Ilagan chancellor.

Monsanto, the US multinational agricultural company, through its branch
in the country, is conducting field trials of the Bt-corn in at least three 
villages in Isabela.

These are located in Alinguigan 2nd in Ilagan, Villaluna in Cauayan City
and Carulay in Echague town.

But groups opposing the Bt-corn field tests assailed Monsanto officials
for not waiting for a provincial board approval on the project.

Monsanto officials said they proceeded with the project after the
National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines issued them a permit. 
They said the NCBP permit was enough for the project to proceed smoothly.

In a public hearing here on Thursday, Dr. Arnold Estrada,
Monsanto-Philippines product development manager, reiterated his
statement the Bt-corn has undergone thorough testing for toxicity,
nutritional values and feed values.

But his statement was strongly assailed by anti-GMO participants who
went to the public hearing with anti-GMO placards and leaflets.

Ilagan councilors said they would not support future Bt-corn field
trials in their town.

The council’s stand was in support of Mayor Delfinito Albano’s position
to block future field tests in Ilagan.

Other proposed test sites for Bt-corn in Isabela are San Felipe in
Ilagan; Diarao in Jones; Masaya Sur in San Agustin;
Malamag West in Tumauini; Napaccu Pequeno in Reina Mercedes; Yeban Sur
in Benito Soliven; and Garita in Cabagan.

--Villamor Visaya Jr.
©2001 www.inq7.net all rights reserved