Remarkable increase in Bt corn plantings in the Philippines has been aired in the ‘Bago Yan Ah!’ (That’s New!) tele-radio program of ABS-CBN/DZMM, broadcasted via DZMM 630 kHz and anchored through True Filipino Channel (TFC) and cable channels in the Philippines on 05 April 2009.

The program, hosted by Angelo Palmones and Ruby Cristobal, featured the Philippines as one of the mega-countries growing biotech crops that has reached almost 350,000 ha. of land dedicated to Bt corn plantings in 2008. This complements to the 125 million hectares significant growth of biotech crops planted globally, a 9.4% increase from last year’s plantation.

Mary Ann Dioneda, a biotech corn farmer from Pampanga, shared her first hand experience in adopting biotechnology. “Before, I had fears in investing to corn farming. But when I learned about Bt corn, I had confidence that I can gain more profit,” said the lady farmer. From using the Bt corn hybrid variety, Mary Ann harvested up to 9 metric tons (MT) per hectare compared to traditional variety of only 2 MT per hectare.

During the interview, Dr. Rhodora Aldemita, senior program officer of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, said “We have genetically-modified (GM) crops in the pipeline in the Philippines. Some of these are the Bt eggplant, the papaya ring-spot virus (PRSV) resistant papaya, the papaya with delayed ripening trait, and the Golden Rice that we hope to be in the market by 2012". According to her, “The government is taking its initiatives in funding R&D for pushing for GM in our own local varieties.” Moreover, she underscored the need to have clear and precise biosafety regulations in developing countries, like the Philippines, in producing biotech crops.

On the other hand, Ms. Jenny A. Panopio of SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) cited that “Our farmers’ knowledge on this technology is still not enough. There should be still be more grounding of more science-based information on biotechnology in our country.”

The tele-radio interview was facilitated by the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center.

(Rochella B. Lapitan, SEARCA BIC).