Multisectoral groups are urging the government to pass a law providing for the mandatory labeling of genetically modified food, agriculture and fishery products.

The same groups said that for organic agricultural production to thrive, the government should start implementing a total ban on field releases, commercial propagation, import and export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

In the recently held International Safe Food Conference in Quezon City, these groups said local government units should adopt resolution declaring their areas organic and GMO-free zones to help promote a "safer and healthier planet."

"We find it ironic that the government is more enthusiastic in promoting genetic engineering in agriculture supposedly to increase productivity when the farmers have already proven the same benefits with organic agriculture," said Antonio Claparols of the Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) and spokesperson of the conference.

Claparols and his group said government should immediately establish laws for the mandatory labeling of all products containing GMO substances, particularly food products and farm seeds.

"Organic agriculture explicitly prohibits GMOs under the international standards so we are faced with the choice of either going organic and non-GE, of which there is an exponentially expanding global market, or adopting GMOs, of which there is widespread rejection by consumers and farmers worldwide," said Claparols.

The groups said in the statement that consumers and farmers have a right to information and choice. Claparols warned that due to lack of labeling GM food products, the government may not be able to seek accountability of manufacturers on the damage of GMOs to humans.

Independent scientists found adverse health effects of GM soy in Russia and transgenic peas in Australia on animals that could be potentially manifested to humans.

"The spread of GMOs has been benefited the agro-chemical seed companies only through ownership of the technologies and proprietary rights and strengthened their control over the world's food system and agriculture," Claparols said.

The groups lauded the growing advocacy for safe food and organic agriculture with several local government units declaring their province and town GM-free.

Negros island, Bohol, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, North Cotabato and Malaybalay, Bukidnon have declared their areas GM-free while Valencia, Bukidnon and Romblon were declared organic and sustainable agriculture zones.