The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines’ (NAST PHL) Agricultural Sciences Division issued a statement on Thursday, May 2 in response to the Court of Appeals' (CA) recent decision to impose another suspension on the use of Bt "Talong" and Golden Rice.

“NAST reiterates its support for the use of modern biotechnology in plant breeding and expresses its concern that the court decision unnecessarily delays its overdue innovations,” NAST PHL-Agricultural Sciences Division said.

It said five national scientists, 42 academicians, and three corresponding members from its various divisions have signed a new agreement to strengthen their position.

NAST PHL noted that CA granted the petition of environmental group Greenpeace and its affiliates on April 17 to impose a moratorium on the use of Bt Talong and Golden Rice “to stop the use of modern methods to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and degradation of the environment through plant breeding.”

NAST PHL said Bt Talong is a kind of eggplant that safeguards the plant and its fruits from a “very destructive” insect pest, while Golden Rice is a variety of rice that can help humans with Vitamin A deficiency.

“We are finally concerned that the continuing delay in the use of Bt Talong and Golden Rice is causing more harm than good. As we try to placate the minority which is ideologically against these modern technologies, who will be satisfied only if these technologies are kept away permanently from farmers and consumers, millions die and more suffer from the harmful effects of technologies they seek to replace,” it said.