THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said it will review its courses of action after a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling revoking the biosafety permit of Golden Rice.
“We acknowledge the Court of Appeals’ decision regarding the Writ of Kalikasan proceedings against Golden Rice, and we are reviewing the implications of this to prepare our response,” PhilRice Executive Director John C. de Leon said in a statement.
Last week, the CA canceled the biosafety permits for the commercial propagation of Golden Rice, as well as those for Bt Eggplant, due to possible risk to the environment and public health.
In a decision dated April 17, the court stopped field testing and use of the crops. Imports were also halted until all measures are taken to ensure they are safe.
The biosafety permit for Golden Rice’s commercial propagation was granted by the Bureau of Plant Industry in July 2021.
The genetically modified crop is intended to help address vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
“It has the potential to double the vitamin A intake of children in the lowest 40% of the income distribution,” PhilRice added.
Golden Rice, whose Philippine branding is Malusog Rice, was developed with enhanced levels of beta-carotene to help tackle VAD.
It has received food safety approvals from regulators in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US.
PhilRice runs the project in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute. — Adrian H. Halili
