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WHAT DOES MEXICO’S DUAL DECISION TO REPLACE GENETICALLY MODIFIED CORN AND BAN GLYPHOSATE MEAN? What should we make of Mexico’s decision to protect its native corn and prohibit the planting of genetically modified corn? And what can the Philippines learn from it? First, let us clarify something. Mexico has indeed amended its Constitution to protect native corn and prohibit the planting of genetically modified corn. The reform describes corn as an element of national identity and calls for protection of biodiversity, food sovereignty and agroecological production.  But Mexico has not yet completely banned glyphosate . It has been trying to phase it out while searching for practical alternatives. In September 2025, Mexico prohibited 35 hazardous pesticides, but glyphosate was not among them.  This distinction is important because there are both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is obvious: Mexico is protecting biodiversity, traditional seeds and its ability to determine...

HOW TO COMBINE RAINWATER COLLECTION, FLOODWATER IMPOUNDING AND AQUACULTURE Everyone is complaining about floods, but I still do not see a complete and holistic solution to the problem. I do not claim to have the full answer. But perhaps we can start with some obvious ideas: rainwater collection, floodwater impounding and aquaculture. Our laws already recognize the importance of rainwater collection. Republic Act 6716, enacted in 1989, provides for rainwater collectors in all barangays, although the law assigns the construction responsibility primarily to DPWH. The question is: after all these years, why do we still seem to be treating rainwater as something to get rid of instead of something to save? The same question applies to floodwater. Why wait for another law before we start impounding water? We already know that strong floods kill people and destroy homes, farms, roads and businesses. If we can slow down floodwater upstream and temporarily store it, why shouldn't we do so? W...