Immigrating to the Philippines Understanding life in the Philippines: The Philippines has recently approved a series of new genetically modified organism regulations. Previously, the Supreme Court mandated extensive revisions to the old regulations to address concerns from farmers and importers regarding delays in policy amendments that could lead to a food crisis. The new regulations are now being forwarded to the country's Department of Agriculture.
The Supreme Court halted the issuance of licenses for the planting and importation of genetically modified crops last December until new policies are established. This has caused nearly 1 million corn growers and buyers of genetically modified soybeans to cease operations.
The new regulations are expected to enhance the transparency of the approval process for the planting, importation, and commercialization of genetically modified products, including strengthening risk assessment and oversight by relevant local governments.
An industry insider stated that under the old regulations, feed mills only needed to obtain sanitary and phytosanitary permits required for the import clearance of soybean meal. However, it remains undecided whether a separate biosafety permit is needed.
The Philippines is the first country in Asia to approve the commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops for animal feed and food. The country approved the planting of genetically modified corn in 2002, and it has a history of importing genetically modified crops for over a decade. Currently, 70% of the corn produced in the country is genetically modified.