SC Ruling bans GMO crops: Keeping it safe is eating safe

Everybody eats and what we eat is as unique and is as different as each individual is from each other. Food is as basic a human need as breathing which then establishes the relevancy to each person walking this earth the issue of Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs. In today’s calamity filled world innovation has lent its hand to certain plants and crops in order for it to withstand the ever changing ecology. But not every mad-made change is welcomed with open arms by another as some sectors are quick to raise the dangers this GMOs can bring us.

                We are who we eat and that saying reflects no better than to us Filipinos as a recent decision by the Supreme Court left a permanent ban on field trials of GMO eggplants and a temporary halt on approving applications for the “contained use, import, commercialization and propagation” of GMO crops, including the import of GMO products.[1] In all honesty, as a consumer I knew that GMO plants were already existing in the world but did not know that it was as close to home than it is now. I am still at a belief that the farmers tilling our lands are “old school” and are bereft of any technological innovation and have been planting the way generations before them have. As alarmed as I am of this controversy I am also relieved that our Courts took the side of caution on this matter. According to Greenpeace, who is the group responsible for taking this matter to court, is airing that even though this GMO crops are proven to withstand the forces of nature there have been no ironclad proof that these same GMO plants are safe when consumed by people as compared to their unaltered counterparts. I understand that the technological reason for creating GMO plants is because without plants that can withstand the test of worsening environmental calamities then the population’s supply might eventually get to levels that would not be able to meet demand. As noble the cause may be I believe there should be no shortcuts in order to address that concern. The sensitivity of the matter brings the concern right to our own dinner table and to that I am glad our Supreme Court has leaned to the side of caution on this matter. Yes it is right for science to find a way to address the demands of society but not at all cost and to that the Supreme Court upholds our right which as stated in the Constitution that “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature”. I believe GMOs will soon become more a part of our lives than it is today but what the Supreme Court I think implies in this decision is that it should be done the right way and the welfare of the people that will consume it should be the first and foremost consideration.           

Reference

[1]   http://ecowatch.com/2015/12/14/gmos-philippines/