AN ORDINANCE CREATING A  DIET AND ADVISORY BOARD IN LABELING GENETICALLY  MODIFIED PRODUCTS AND  PRODUCTS  PREPARED  WITH  GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENT

IN DAVAO CITY

            WHEREAS, there is a need to evaluate consumer  labeling of biotechnology products.

            WHEREAS, a board to effectively implement the labeling requirement of  genetically modified products or  products with genetically modified ingredient is  needed by the city as a response  to  the pressing demand for  consumer information.

            WHEREAS, there is a need for a board to asses  the product risks  and ensure that products  are safe for environment and human consumption.

SECTION 1. TITLE.  This Ordinance shall  be known as the “ORDINANCE CREATING A DIET AND ADVISORY BOARD IN LABELING”.

            SECTION 2.  COMPOSITION OF  THE BOARD. The Diet and Advisory Board shall  be composed of the following  persons or agencies:

1.      Representative from the Department of Health (DOH)

2.      Representative from the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration (BFAD)

3.      Representative from the Department of  Science and Technology (DOST)

4.      Member of the  City Council

5.   Member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines

6.      Representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

7.      Member of the City Chamber of Commerce

8.      Representative from Non-government organization whose advocacy is  on the environment.

SECTION 3. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. The selection of the members of the Board shall be upon the discretion of  the City Mayor  with concurrence of the majority of the members of the City Council.

SECTION 4. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman shall  be elected by and  among the members of the Board duly appointed by the City Mayor in concurrence of the majority of the members of the City Council.

SECTION 5. FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD. The board shall have the following functions:

a)      The board shall act  as a regulatory body on the labeling and segregation of Genetically Modified Products or products  with genetically modified ingredient;

b)      asses the product risks and ensure  that products are safe for environment and  human  consumption;

c)      asses  the correctness of the labeled information on the Genetically Modified Product;

d)      evaluate the consumer labeling of the same;

e)      act as a consultative body on  matters or controversies affecting  GMO-related issues;

f)        create an  implementing rules and  regulations on the GMO-related laws; and

g)      initiate information dissemination on Genetic Engineering and  Genetically Modified Products; 

SECTION 6. DECISION OF THE BOARD. The decision of the Board concerning controversies on  GMO Product labeling and segregation shall be final  and executory.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen  (15) days after the completion of its publication in three  (3) newspapers  of general  circulation in Davao City.