Godofredo M. Roperos
When I was in the California visiting a Filipino family in a farm area
not far from San Diego a few years back, we noticed large tomatoes being
used for the dishes the family cook was preparing for our lunch.
When we noted the sizes of the tomatoes, we were told these were
genetically-modified (GM).



Knowing the care, caution and controversy surrounding genetic
intervention, I was gravely concerned. But out of respect to our host, I
heartily ate the food with genetically modified tomatoes and even asked for
seeds to bring home to plant.



Unfortunately, I lost the table napkin where I put the seeds or I
might already have a garden of large tomatoes. But I might also have come
face to face with the issue that still persists in the Philippines and
elsewhere in the world: to go or not for genetically modified products. With
the current global crisis, the issue needs resolution.



The first time I heard about GM products was some years back while
traveling in Bukidnon on assignment. I learned that the government had
allowed the planting of GM yellow corn, which was used for animal feeds. I
was interested because yellow corn or masiao, is an important basic
ingredient of poultry/fighting cock feeds. Since then, I have not heard of
any further effort by the government to go full blast on GM products.



While the Philippines appear open-minded over the issue, other Asian
countries are not. The chief concern is the health of consumers. Until such
time that our scientists are sure these products are safe, we may never be
able to enjoy the abundance of GM crops. But with the global food shortage,
extreme need may overcome negative attitude.



Some countries like the Philippines are actually experimenting with
uses of GM crops. Japan does not ?grow GM crops due to safety concerns but
it does import GM grains for use in making products, such as cooking oil,
animal feed, and manufactured goods.?



In any case, global necessity, particularly in the matter of human
survival, may drive the nations to push for GM food products. After all, the
need to use GM food moves in parallel with our need to be concerned with
human safety and health.



Life is the central goal of all our efforts to preserve human
existence, and to ensure mankind?s survival on earth. But when we will be
finally driven to a corner in the matter of food, we may be forced to avail
of GM food.


[www.sunstar.com.ph]