Socio-economic and political concerns for GM foods and biotechnology adoption in the Philippines
2008
L.S. Cabanilla
This paper assesses the political and socio-economic concerns surrounding GM foods and bio-technology in the Philippines. It particularly focuses on past experiences and looking at what the future holds for GM in the country. <br /><br />The authors argue that in the Philippines, the concerns for growth, equity and sustainability provide the backdrop upon which arguments for or against the use of technological innovation in agriculture are commonly based. The Philippine government, however, has been supportive of the movement for the introduction of biotechnology. It recognises its potential contribution to agriculture and public health. Key points include: the experience of the Philippines with the introduction of Bt corn is a good reflection of its receptiveness to biotechnology. Despite the apparent aversion of some militant groups towards technologies owned by multinationals, opposition eventually dissipated as corn farmers adopted the technology the future of biotechnology in the Philippines looks positive. There is unequivocal support from the government. Opposition has apparently dissipated and more farmers are adopting Bt corn the future of biotechnology in the Philippines will depend on the government’s resolve in pushing for the adoption of frontier technologies for GM biofortified food crops, the greatest challenge is in the area of public information dissemination. The reaction of the general polity to these crops will probably be different from that observed during the introduction of Bt corn. <br />
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