Golden Rice is a genetically modified crop intended to increase dietary vitamin A. A serious health problem in developing countries, like the Philippines. Vitamin A deficiency can led to blindness and premature death.

Golden Rice, which was developed in the hopes of combatting vitamin A deficiency by a team of European scientists in the late '90s. Through bio-fortifications, golden rice is genetically modified to provide an essential nutrient that white rice lacks: beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

Filipino farmers will become the first in the world to be able to cultivate a variety of rice enriched with nutrients to help reduce childhood malnutrition, after receiving the green light from regulators.

In the Philippines, Golden Rice was developed by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to contain additional levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

Around one in five children from the poorest communities in the Philippines suffer from vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which affects an estimated 190 million children worldwide. The condition is the most common cause of childhood blindness, as well as a contributing factor to a weakened immune system, the IRRI said.

“This milestone puts the Philippines at the global forefront in leveraging agriculture research to address the issues of malnutrition and related health impacts in a safe and sustainable way” said Dr. Jean Balié, Director General of IRRI.

Moreover, Dr. John de Leon, Executive Director of DA-PhilRice said, “we are committed to ensuring the highest quality of seed for farmers and a safe and nutritious food supply for all Filipinos.”

According to IRRI, DA-PhilRice has started working with local partners to identify market- and program-based approaches for bringing Golden Rice first to selected communities with a high prevalence of VAD and other associated micronutrient deficiencies.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Visayas, it will be piloted in the municipality of Villareal in the Province of Samar. Initial coordinative meetings were already conducted in May, this year. With the implementation of the Golden Rice cultivation project in Samar, it hopes to boost the household income at the same time provide adequate nutrient content particularly vitamin A in their diet. #NPC CPDotollo