Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel has no problem with the consumption of food that are genetically modified organisms (GMO).

He says this is being practiced in the United States (US), although it remains widely regulated in countries in the European Union.

"As long as it has been used in other countries in at least 10 years, tingin ko, okay naman tayo (I believe, we're good)," Tiu said in response to a question from Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Benitez.

GMOs are organisms wherein their genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Its consumption is being opposed by various sectors in the Philippines, including farmer groups and church leaders, because of its potential threat to health and environment as well as possible economic dominance.

During the House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing with the DA Monday, Sept. 15, Laurel appeared to be left with no choice but to support the consumption of GMOs in the country to address food security.

While he admits that "there are dangers associated with it," Laurel still thinks there is nothing wrong with it.

"Sa (In) modern agriculture, I believe GMO is part of it, although of course you have the USA towards that direction, pero ang (but the) EU naman is on the opposite side," Laurel said on Monday, Sep. 15.

"To address food security sa ating bansa (in our country), I think we have no choice but use whatever methods na pwede 'no, para maincrease ang ating (that is possible, so we can increase the) production," he added.

Benitez, during the hearing, bared that some groups in his province have expressed their opposition to GMOs and asked the agriculture chief regarding his take on the issue.

While he said it is a "sensitive matter", Laurel said he feels it will be a waste of potential if the province would not use or develop it in boosting their agricultural production.

"Ang livestock sa inyo, medyo mahina. Pero pwede palakasin 'yun by tenfold kung kinakailangan (Your livestock industry there is weak. But we can strengthen it by tenfold if necessary)," he said.

"But we need GMO corn, so depende na 'yan (so it depends)... [but it] is proven already to increase yields so part of my duty is to increase production, and a part of it is GMO," he added.

Laurel says the use of GMO "is already there in the system", adding that they are seeing no "adverse effects" in the countries that have used it for at least a decade.

"Even in other parts of the world, Africa, South America, wala akong nakikitang masyadong issue (I do not see any issue)," he added.