Masipag, a farmer-led network of people’s organizations, condemned the ratification of a resolution that seeks to commercialize the genetically modified golden rice in Nueva Ecija.
Golden rice was initially created in hopes of preventing Vitamin A deficiency among its consumers. Filipino farmers, on the other hand, continue to oppose the project, stressing that this genetically-modified grain contains “too little” Vitamin A as compared with cheaper crops available in the country.
For Masipag farmers, malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency may be resolved by consuming natural and proven solutions such as Malunggay, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, carrots, and pumpkin. The group also pointed out that sweet potatoes and carrots contain more beta-carotene than golden rice.
“Hindi pa nga lubos na humihilom ang sugat ng mga magsasaka ng Nueva Ecija sa hagupit ng bagyong Karding pero ang pamahalaan ng Nueva Ecija ay nagpasa na ng isang resolusyon na nagpapahintulot sa pagtatanim at pagkain ng Golden Rice na lalong magpapahapdi ng sugat ng mga magsasaka (The wounds of Nueva Ecija farmers brought by the recent onslaught of tropical cyclone Karding have not yet completely healed, but the government of Nueva Ecija has already passed a resolution allowing the planting and eating of golden rice which will further cause pain to the farmers),” said Provincial Consultative Body of Nueva Ecija President Lauro Diego on Monday, Oct. 10.
Resolution No. 436 s. 2022 seeks to promote the cultivation, commercialization, and consumption of golden rice in Nueva Ecija – the so-called Rice Bowl of the Philippines.
Following the ratification of this measure, Masipag farmers challenged government offices to stop the implementation of projects that endanger the livelihood of farmers and bring threat to the health of Filipinos. Instead of pushing for golden rice, government officers were challenged to focus on the “real needs” of the farmers in the province.
Peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), earlier in August 2022, said if the proponents of golden rice are serious about addressing Vitamin A deficiency, they could simply support local farmers planting crops.