The Negros Organic Agriculture Movement has expressed support to the move of the provincial government to ban genetically modified organisms in Negros Occidental.

In its position paper signed by its 17 members, NOAM said that the banning of GMOs in the province is indispensable in attaining the goal of making Negros the "Organic Food Bowl in Asia."

The group's move came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed in the first reading the ordinance that will prohibit the entry of GMO products in Negros Occidental.

Roxas to discuss tariff issues
with Negrense sugar leaders

Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said the World Trade Organization negotiation process is gaining some momentum and a meeting set in India could disrupt the status quo on agricultural products' tariffs.

In the past, tariff reduction programs were implemented on manufactured goods but if agriculture is affected in this new round it will be a major challenge all over the country, particularly in Negros and its sugar industry, he said. Roxas said he will consult with Negros sugar leaders on how he can help them in addressing the tariff issue.

He said he was the only trade and industry secretary of the country who raised tariffs to protect the sugar industry.

With Sugar Regulatory Administrator James Ledesma, Roxas said he negotiated that the tariff on sugar entering the country be raised from 65 to 85 to protect the local sugar industry.

BIR to set up help
centers in four malls

The Bureau of Internal Revenue Region 12 has set up Tax Tulungan Centers in malls in Bacolod and Dumaguete to assist taxpayers in filing their income tax returns.

The deadline for the filing of ITRs is on April 16, BIR Region 12 said in a press release.

Tax Tulungan Centers are located in SM City South Wing and Robinsons Place Ground Floor in Bacolod and Evermall and Lee Plaza in Dumaguete. Only no-payment or tax-exempt returns will be accepted in the Tax Tulungan Centers which will open from April 10 to 16 (except Sunday), from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.

back to top