A practical solution to the daunting problem of food security brought about by population growth and poor food production requires bold political moves on the part of the government.

Dr. Edita Burgos, executive director of the Biotechnology for Life Media and Advocacy Resource Center (BMARC), said a most relevant option for policy planners is to rely on modern technologies to improve production and even introduce genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) that must pass strict biosafety measures that are accepted universally.

"The Philippines, by far, has been an advocate of modern biotechnology and it has practiced what it has preached by promoting safe, nutritious and appropriate biotechnology products while pursuing research and development on staple food, fruits, vegetables," Burgos said.

She cited the steps taken by the government when President Arroyo issued a policy statement that the state will promote the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment and industry development.

According to Burgos, all arguments ranged against biotechnology have failed in the crucible of scientific inquiry and investigation. However, she said detractors persist in questioning the safety of biotechnology products and their impact on the environment.

"The questions raised have been debunked by science and the matter has now become a popular issue and the subject of sustained communication campaign to overcome misplaced criticism and dark prognoses," she said.

According to Burgos, central to the issue on biotechnology is the crucial question - whether or not biotechnology can stop hunger, especially in developing countries like the Philippines.

"Unless the Philippine government restores rationality on the debate, the impediments imposed by oppositors would dampen enthusiasm and prevent the country from pursuing its flagship project as far as food security is concerned.

According to Burgos, anti-biotechnology advocates have the funds to pursue their agenda of "misplaced hysteria" and they have become "a raucous lot who can pounce on any advocate who dishes out his plea."

She said how to address such issues the soonest and to articulate proposals to make the Philippines more competitive and win a significant chunk of the world food and agriculture market through export-oriented, agriculture-based industries is a key problem for biotechnology experts.

According to Burgos, proper communication between scientists and journalists for accurate reporting that would "enlighten" the general public is essential to counter negative publicity and debunk exaggerations and misinformation promoted by critics.

BMARC is playing a major role in implementing the National Information and Education Campaign and Advocacy for Modern Biotechnology in the Philippines through media and social mobilization..