The breakthrough recently announced by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) pertaining to high yielding rice variety that grows on dry soil does not excite the Filipino farmers. Rather, they were compelled to further intensify their defensive stance since the said breakthrough is clear and present danger to the sustainable and ecological farming practices developed by Filipino farmers. And
one can’t blame the Filipino farmers to distrust IRRI since they have learned their bitter lesson in the past.

During the implementation of Green Revolution that was propagated by IRRI, the intensive application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides became the main thrust of agriculture. As results thereby, farmer came indebted due to high cost of input needed to attain the desired harvest.

Further, edible species normally found in the rice fields were gone thus, streams and rivers which are natural source of potable water for the farmers are now contaminated with pesticides. Worst, the irresponsible application of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have cause irreparable damage to the
rice fields in particular and to the environment and living organism in general.

The pitiful state of Barangay Paciano Rizal located in Bay, Laguna, could attest to the havoc brought about by field experiments conducted by IRRI. Most of the
children are suffering from lung disorder and pulmonary infection that could lead to tuberculosis. Death related to kidney and liver ailment is quite alarming while cancer and Parkinson’s disease has been reported in some areas. And every time IRRI will spray pesticides and/or herbicides in the experimental fields adjacent to the community, people especially children are terribly affected.

Filipino workers and farmworkers in IRRI also suffered the same consequence as proven by several cases documented by BISSIG. Camilo M. Malana died in 23
January 1997 due to leukemia and liver cancer hence, his case was certified to be work-related. He was employed by IRRI in 1977 until 1990. Bernardo B. Calibo was found positive of Parkinson’s Disease and was eventually terminated in 08 January 1988. A former laboratory assistant in Biochemistry Division was also diagnosed with the same disease certified as work-related and was subsequently retrenched in 1993 after 22 years in IRRI.

Several former fieldworkers of IRRI also succumbed to death due to physical contact with toxic chemicals and pesticides during their stint with IRRI. Most of them have were employed for more than 20 years as in the case of Leoncio Mercado who died last 15 September 2005 due to kidney failure, tuberculosis and acute arthritis. He was hired by IRRI in 1975 and was retrenched in 1997 due to his union-related activities.

IRRI was established in 09 December 1959 through a memorandum of agreement between the Philippine government and the Ford and Rockefeller foundations.
It was incorporated and registered with the SEC such that it was then subject to civil, administrative and criminal liabilities and to every form of legal processes.

In 19 April 1979 however, then president Ferdinand E. Marcos signed into law Presidential Decree 1620 granting IRRI the status, prerogatives, privileges and
immunities of an international organizations. Ironically, IRRI is not a specialized agency under the United Nations nor other Asian countries recognize IRRI as an international institute.

IRRI is one of the 15 agricultural research centers supported by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). One of the prominent
member and/or donors of the CGIAR is an agro-chemical corporation engaged in biotechnology. And with IRRI’s collaboration with trans-national corporations (TNCs) engaged in biotechnology, seed and grain trade, pharmaceutical, and food processing, the goal and vision of IRRI is indeed dubious, if not, slanting to
profit and not for empowerment of farmers.

The much-publicized “aerobic rice” is nothing but part of collective studies which aims to justify the dominance of TNCs on research and monopoly of over food and seeds. Hence, forcing the farmer to abandon the traditional farming using inherited method and indigenous varieties, and thereby relegates them as mere end-user of technological package. Obviously, IRRI was quick to reveal the alleged characteristic of “aerobic rice” but failed to mention the fragility, input requirements and how much would be the cost of this variety in the market if ever. Will IRRI bestow this variety to the farmer for free?

Its about time after more than 45 years of experimental research for IRRI to refocus its research activities for the benefits of poor farmers and not to cater the laboratory needs and product requirements of agro-chemicals TNCs. It must adhere the peoples’ agenda and resist the temptation of lucrative profit in the market of agriculture. Else, they could pack their bags and go elsewhere in a country that would offer them absolute immunity.

Let’s face it. The problems confronting agriculture and rice production could not be eradicated by biotechnology or rice variety laced with genetically modified organism since it would escalate the adverse situation wherein the seeds and agricultural processes would be monopolized by agro-chemical TNCs.

Further, the backward and feudal systems of engagement between farmers and landlords plus the lack of support from government due to export-oriented, import
dependent approach, not to mention the lopsided trading policies imposed by WTO, will further aggravate the worsening dilemma in the life of hapless farmers.

Genuine LAND REFORM is the sacred solution indeed!

NIKO MIRASOL
Spokesperson
Brotherhood of IRRI Support Services Group
Pook 3, Barangay Paciano Rizal, Bay, Laguna
20 October 2005