THE Philippines remains a regional leader in genetically modified (GM) crops, with its early adoption of agricultural biotechnology supporting food security efforts, according to BMI, a research unit of financial information and analytics provider Fitch Solutions.
GM crops can help increase harvests, resist pests and diseases, reduce the need for some pesticides and improve the nutritional value of food, depending on the traits introduced.
In its Oct. 13 report, “Asia GM Outlook: Food Security Needs Driving Support for GM Crops,” BMI said the country’s policies have helped advance the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
The Philippines became the first Asian country to plant GM corn in 2003. The government has since approved four GM crops: corn in 2002, rice in 2021, eggplant in 2022 and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in 2023.
Bt cotton — developed by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority — resists bollworm infestation and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
The area planted to Bt corn increased by 576,000 hectares (ha) between 2003 and 2023, from an initial 10,700 ha.
BMI said the Philippines was also the first Southeast Asian country to establish a regulatory framework for cultivating genetically engineered crops. It adopted rules for plants and plant products developed through plant breeding innovations, also known as new plant breeding techniques.
The country was likewise the first in the world to approve golden rice for commercial propagation, although a subsequent court ruling halted its cultivation.
In 2019, the Philippines ranked 12th among 29 countries planting biotech crops.
“The Philippines continues to lead the region’s GM market,” BMI said, adding that it expects the country to remain at the forefront of regional Bt adoption in the coming years.
Despite government support, however, opposition persists. BMI cited protests by organic farmers in Negros Occidental in November 2025 and the 2024 court ban on golden rice following environmental groups’ claims that it could contaminate other crops.
Nonetheless, BMI expects the Philippines to remain a regional pioneer in agricultural biotechnology as rising global commodity prices push Asian governments to strengthen domestic food production and supply security.