BATANGAS CITY- The provincial office of the city veterinary and agricultural services has declared that Bt corn distributed in the province is safe not only for human and animal consumption but to the environment as well.

Dr. Saturnina Halos, chairman of the agricultural biotechnology advisory team, which made an in-depth research based on the internationally accepted risk management guidelines on BT corn, also said that Bt corn is just as nutritious and healthy like other native varieties, and does not bear allergens.

The risk management study was conducted in accordance with the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 8, which served as the basis for the government to allow the sale of Bt corn.

Through the use of this new variety, the provincial government expects a 40 percent increase in the harvest of corn products in Batangas.

Bt corn is a product of a genetic engineering and uses a Cry/AB protein that is poison to insects like the corn borer.

Its manufacturer and distributor, Monsanto, has published informative guidelines on the alleged adverse effects of the Bt corn.

The guidelines indicate that Bt corn is not poisonous to human and animals and does not cause allergies and disease like cancer.

Some farmers groups oppose the introduction of Bt corn in the Philippines, saying it may lead to a seed monopoly by multinationals like Monsanto. There also are fears that, despite the scientifically positive findings, the unseen future bad effects on the environment could be disastrous.