CALAPAN CITY-The provincial agriculture office (PAO) here was alarmed at reports by some local agriculture technicians that the controversial Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn has been planted in Victoria, Roxas and Bulalacao towns.

A Bt-corn plant looks more attractive, yields more than the regular corn seed and is resistant to cornborers (pests), promoters of the genetically modified product say.

PAO Research Division coordinator Natalia Badillo, said about Bt corn were harvested in two hectares in Roxas.

Some farmers were happy that they did not need to spray pesticides on the corn and that, after about three months, they could earn more by harvesting more than 10 tons per hectare compared to the regular seven tons.

The farmers argued that the corn are not harmful to people because they are fed to animals.

"But people, in turn, take glutinous corn for food," said Badillo.

In Bulalacao, a hectare of land by a Filipina married to a foreigner harvested Bt corn this month, reported PAO's Bulalacao coordinator Anonito Cosico.

Jon Sarmiento, coordinator for Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy Program under the Diocesan Service Commission, confirmed that a hectare of land was planted to Bt corn in Victoria where he lives.

He said he was able to say it was Bt corn because of the price which was pegged at P4,400, compared to P2,500 for regular corn.

A two-hectare demo farm owned by a religious group was also reported to have been planted to Bt corn but the PAO said there is no evidence that it was Bt corn planted in Naujan town was also reported to PAO.

In a meeting by provincial government officials on Friday, it was agreed that a resolution against Bt corn will be passed so that proper intervention ca be undertaken.

Badillo said unless there is a resolution, they cannot do anything because their job is limited to coordinating programs and activities.

Meantime, the Oriental Mindoro Environmental Code, which prohibits the entry of GMOs in the province, has been pending in the provincial board.
But with the elections campaign heating up, residents fear that the issue will be put off.

"This is an urgent issue because when rains come, for sure, corn will be planted," said Badillo.