Greenpeace and allied local organizations are calling for a stop to state-encouraged cultivation of genetically modified crops (GMOs), which is expected to gain further ground with the meeting of leaders in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Along with the Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (Sibol), Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag), Greenpeace expressed concern that the Philippines—which is hosting APEC meetings—is promoting GMOs in the region despite the opposition and legal challenges that this faces domestically.

Zelda Soriano, legal and political advisor of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said yesterday in a briefing the Department of Agriculture last month requested Apec delegates to show improvements in the implementation of GMO regulations in their economies.