VATICAN (via PLDT)-The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including seeds, will get a boost in the Philippines following a Vatican explanation that they are not immoral, President Arroyo said yesterday.

She said this was clarified to her in a talk with Vatican State Secretary Angelo Cardinal Sudano after her audience with Pope John Paul II last weekend.

"We have our policies on GMOs and I think what's important now for opposers is that the Vatican said that GMOs are not immoral, " the President said in a statement.

She said this explanation will be used in government information campaigns on GMO seeds in the Philippines.

The government allows limited propagation of GMOs provided these products are not tested in the country. However, leftist and environmental groups have opposed the propagation of GMOs, citing Catholic bishops' support for their campaign.

But Mrs. Arroyo said Sudano clarified that while the Vatican considers human cloning as immoral, it does not condemn genetically modified agricultural products.

With the issue of morality out of the way, "we will address the concerns of the oppositors by making sure the safety concerns are addressed," she said.

The President stressed the importance of the Vatican's support for the use of GMOs, particularly for the Philippines.

"GMOs (are) considered important for our food security," she said, expressing hope that the use of (genetically modified) fruits and vegetables will help significantly boost agricultural productivity.

With an example supply of fruits and vegetables in the country, the government expects food to be more affordable to Filipinos.