Manila, Philippines (AHN)-All 44 genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that have been approved for commercial release in the Philippines since December 2002 are safe.

The Department of Agriculture's Biotechnology Advisory Team on Monday unconditionally guaranteed the safety of these products which it said pass strict regulatory procedures required by the government.

Prolonged tests conducted on the 44 GMOs approved so far showed there was no risks to consumers and the environment, it said.

Several layers of tests are conducted not only by government authorities but also by independent scientists to make sure that risks are overcome, the Manila Bulletin reported.

Most of the approved GMOs are food products, according to the government's Biotechnology Program Office. The Bureau of Plant Industry approves GMO applications whether they are safe for food, feed, processing or for propagation.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday ordered the National Anti-Poverty Commission to provide livelihood assistance to the wives of farmers and fishermen.

The directive was made after the National Nutrition Council reported that hunger incidence worsened in the country during the second quarter of the year.

The NNC said the recent dry spell caused a reduction in the food supply, increased food prices, and eventually aggravated the hunger situation in the country.

Aside from providing short-term relief to farmers and fishermen, the President also asked the Department of Agriculture to fast-track the construction of farm-to-market roads and the rehabilitation of irrigations.