Increase Plantings of Genetically Modified Corn in the Philippines

Cauayan, Isabela, Philippines - Plantings of Genetically Modified (GM) corn increased from 10,769 ha of Bt corn in 2003 to 455,391 ha (94% stacked trait events, 4% Bt corn and 2% glyphosate tolerant corn) in 2010. Cagayan Valley is the major corn growing regions with 251,925 ha planted to GM corn in 2010. Specific details on GM corn adoption in the Philippines is posted at www.biotech.da.gov.ph.

Mr. Santiago Palizada, Ms. Lilian Teano and Mr. Edwin Miana who are members of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry Biotechnology Core Team (BPI-BCT) conducted a post commercial approval monitoring last 1-11 February 2011 in Cagayan Valley (Isabela), SOCCSKSARGEN (Sultan Kudarat) and Northern Mindanao (Bukidnon) together with DA-Regional Crop Protection Center Team of Monitors and Technology Developers (Monsanto Philippines, Inc., Syngenta Philippines, Inc. and BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc.)