The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros strongly opposes the proposed amendment to the existing genetically-modified organisms (GMO) ordinance in Negros Occidental. The amendment seeks to align the province’s policy with the Joint Department Circular No. 01, series of 2021—a national framework that facilitates the entry, testing, and commercialization of GMOs in the Philippines. The group warns that the enactment of the ordinance will place local farmers in an even more precarious situation.

Negrosanon farmers already suffer terribly from meager farm gate prices of their products, mounting debt, and exorbitant input costs due to the neglectment of the reactionary government. In contrast, multinational companies especially those in the agribusiness amasses wealth hundred times than those who till the land.

“Even if the Department of Agriculture (DA) gives out free GMOs, the farmers still shoulder the burden of purchasing pesticides and fertilizers for these crops to thrive. And where do they get this? From these multinational companies as well,” Obrero said.

He also stressed that the ordinance will push the farmers to depend on imported, patented GMO seeds and chemical inputs controlled by foreign corporations. This would further marginalize local producers, degrade the quality of agricultural output, and reinforce the export-oriented and import-dependent character of the country’s economic system.

Aside from economic concerns, Obrero highlights the serious health and ecological risks posed by GMO cultivation. Farmers have reported adverse health effects from consuming genetically modified corn varieties like ‘sige-sige’. Studies have also pointed to potential risks such as allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and long-term organ damage.

Environmentally, GMOs have been linked to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased chemical use, which harm both ecosystems and communities.

“If the reactionary government truly wants to protect farmers and ensure food security, it must break free from the dictates of imperialist interests,” Obrero concluded. “It must support farmer-led solutions. Thus, sustainable agriculture must be promoted and genuine agrarian reform must be carried out.”

The NDF-Negros calls on all people’s organizations, peasants and all Negrosanons to unite and fight for genuine land reform and national industrialization that will truly address the problem of landlessness and attain food security.