A lot of hype has been going around about biotechnology, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and the Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) corn. In simpler terms, biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce products useful to man.

Modern biotechnology attempts to make the living organisms produce specific product, in a predictable and controllable way. Vinegar, soy sauce and our favorite ""patis" (fish sauce) are products of biotechnology, as well as beer, wine, cheese, pandesal and nata de coco. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants with particular genes inserted into them to improve their characteristics in a very specific way, as compared to their conventional counterparts. Quite frankly, we have been using products of biotechnology for a long time.

With the influx of negative reviews concerning the Bt corn we cannot help but take a look at its benefits to small traders and farmers, particularly those in Mindanao. Majority of the farmers who witnessed the Bt corn trials wanted to adopt the corn for several reasons, some of which are: cost reduction in pest management, yield increase, improved risk management and insurance against pests, reduced production costs (chemical, labor, etc.), management time saving, reduction in equipment outlays associated with no-tillage production systems and land use efficiency gains form improved plant spacing.

After observing a trial planting of Bt corn in General Santos City and Bukidnon, farmers realized that Bt corn would save their crops from the dreadful corn borer, which usually reduces their harvest by as much as 30-80 percent. Besides, corn borer damage is associated with aflatoxin (the potent cancer-causing substance) in corn grains.

Following the conduct of the appropriate tests, the government has drafted the necessary guidelines and regulations to create precise and accurate measures on bio-safety. These are embodied in the recently issued DA Administrative Order No. 8, which regulates the importation, use and propagation of plants and plant products derived from the use of modern biotechnology.

For each horror story on the possible harm GMOs may wreak upon our health and the environment, there is an equally persuasive opinion from an opposing institution of similar repute.

The Mindanao Business Council (MBC) prefers to look at the facts rather than speculation. Incidentally, this was why we supported the multi-locational testing of the Bt corn in the 10th Mindanao Business Conference last September 2001, as this was the means to gather sufficient data on the commodity for a balanced and well-in-formed decision.

Achieving food security and poverty alleviation are also facts, and are among the priorities of Mindanao in these conflict-ridden times. Fostering the development and growth of the agricultural sector through the application of modern technology will make a significant contribution in addressing poverty, and shall greatly influence our island's economic growth.

The full commercialization of Bt corn in Mindanao will also have ancillary advantages. For one thing, it will help our government be more prepared and capable of regulating other GMO products that might come knocking in our door in the near future. Also, full commercialization will prevent any monopoly that might seek to control the product, as other suppliers will have the opportunity to distribute Bt corn here.

Our diminishing productivity in the corn industry and competition from cheaper imports pose huge challenges for our government-how to provide nor only basic needs for food and feeds for animals, but also ensure the livelihood and sustainability of our farmers. If we are to meet these challenges, we will have to look at biotechnology as an option. 

(Ms. Bian is the chair of he Mindanao Business Council and the acting chair of the East Asean Business Council).