Resistance to Bt corn misplaced, he adds

BACKERS of biotechnology have been heartened by a recent document issued by the Vatican, which recognizes “human intervention in nature,” adding that “nature is not sacred or divine reality that man must leave alone.”

Dr. Benigno Peczon, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Biotechnology coalition of the Philippines (BCP) took the document as a buttress for its campaign to promote genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other biotechnology products to increase agricultural yield and improve the nutritional value of staple food.

Peczon also said the Vatican pronouncement was crucial inasmuch as farmers’ groups in the Visayas have threatened to oppose the cultivation and expansion of existing farmland devoted to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn in Central Philippines.

The document, representing the official catechism on the social doctrine approved by the Holy See and the secretary opf State, was released last week. Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino and Bishop Gian Paolo Crepaldi of the Pontificial Council for Justice and Peace issued the Compendum of the Social Doctrine of the Church, titled “Safeguarding the environment.”

In the said document, the chapter on environment safety includes a section that aims to resolve the issue on biotechnology. Section 4, titled “A common responsibility,” recognizes the role of modern biotechnologies as having a “powerful social impact, locally, nationally and internationally,” while underscoring the criteria of justice and solidarity.

The doctrine states that “the Christian vision of creation makes a positive judgment on the acceptability of human intervention in nature”…(recognizing that) “nature is not sacred or divine reality that man must leave alone.”

It categorically states that no illicit act is committed when man intervenes with nature by modifying some of nature’s characteristics or properties.

“We recognize this as an important document that can help resolve the ongoing debate about the acceptability of biotechnology in modern times,” said Dr. Peczon.

According to Peczon, the document mentions “equitable commercial exchange without the burden of unjust stipulations” and further states that “it is indispensable to foster the development of a necessary scientific and technological autonomy of the part of these same peoples, promoting the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge and the transfer of the technologies to developing countries.”

Recognizing that the common good is top priority, the doctrine puts considerable emphasis on solidarity, defining it “as promoting trade policies that are favorable to people and the exchange of technology that can improve the conditions of their food supply and health.”

Entrepreneurs involved in the research, production and selling of biotech products are reminded “to take into account not only legitimate profit but also common good.”

Significantly stressing conventional Christian values, the Vatican document encourages development in the area of biotechnologies to focus on the common fight against hunger worldwide, especially in poorer countries, the fight against disease and the fight to safeguard ecosystem.

“Following the initiative of the Vatican, public authorities are urged to encourage a correctly informed public opinion,” said Peczon. “Policy ought to be suited to the common good.”

Citing the role of media, the document further puts emphasis on the exercise of prudence and objectivity in its handling of issues concerning biotechnology.