GENETICALLY MODIFIED TILAPIA, ANYONE?

GENETICALLY MODIFIED TILAPIA, ANYONE? I have mixed feelings about genetically modified (GMO) foods. While I am generally wary of them, I can also see the potential benefits they offer, particularly in providing affordable food for the poor. This is especially relevant in the case of grains and fish, where food security is a growing concern. One example is tilapia, a fish species that holds significant promise for both food security and livelihood opportunities for fish farmers. Due to climate change, it has become increasingly dangerous for small artisanal fishermen to venture out into the ocean in search of fish. Additionally, global warming has affected fish breeding patterns, leading to declining fish stocks. These challenges make it more practical for fishermen to transition into fish farming, and GMO tilapia presents an option that could be both profitable and sustainable. GMO tilapia can be cultivated in fish cages in lakes, rivers, and coves, or grown in controlled environments such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). These farming methods ensure consistent supply, better control over water quality, and reduced pressure on wild fish populations. While my reservations about GMOs persist, I find myself more inclined to support GMO tilapia—if government agencies could ensure its safety for human consumption through rigorous oversight and regulation. To add to that, the government should study the impact of tilapia into the environment, because tilapia is an invasive species. Despite its potential, the adoption of GMO tilapia by fish farmers has been slow, likely due to concerns over its safety and public perception of genetically modified foods. This is where government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should step in to educate and promote responsible use of this technology. Initiatives such as the Villar SIPAG Farm School in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, provide valuable technology demonstrations on tilapia culture. This project, in collaboration with the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) and the BFAR National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFFTC), focuses on using quality strains and extruded floating feeds (EEF) to enhance tilapia growth. Successful harvests of Nile and Red tilapia strains have demonstrated improved growth rates and cost efficiency, providing an encouraging outlook for fish farmers. Furthermore, the Villar SIPAG Urban Farm School in Bacoor, Cavite, offers training in urban farming and gardening techniques, promoting modern farming practices. These farm schools provide free training programs, empowering local farmers with knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainable food production. So, is GMO tilapia safe to eat? According to regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), GMO foods, including GMO tilapia, undergo extensive safety assessments before approval. Studies indicate that GMO tilapia is no more harmful than its non-GMO counterpart, and it provides added benefits such as disease resistance and improved nutritional content. In the Philippines, GMO regulation is handled by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Health (DOH). The Joint Department Circular No. 1, Series of 2021, outlines rules and regulations for the research, development, handling, and use of GMOs, ensuring a streamlined and rigorous approval process. The country is also a party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which promotes transparency and public participation in GMO-related decisions. While the scientific consensus supports the safety of GMO tilapia, some consumers remain skeptical due to personal and ethical concerns. As with any food product, the choice to consume GMO tilapia should be left to individual consumers, provided they are given full transparency regarding its production and safety standards. Ultimately, if GMO tilapia can contribute to food security and provide stable livelihoods for fish farmers, it deserves serious consideration—so long as it is regulated responsibly and remains a safe option for public consumption. Beyond the issue of food security, the government must weigh and evaluate the impact of an invasive species like tilapia. Could it be doing more harm than good. it may be good that we are eating tilapia, but it may be bad that tilapia is eating the young of endemic and native fish species to their extinction. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-27-2025