Manila, Oct. 1 -- Major homegrown restaurants and hotels here, comprising the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental (HRANO), have added their voices to the campaign against the proposed ordinance seeking the entry of living genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Negros Occidental.

Led by president Roberto Magalona, owner of Cafe Bob's, HRANO expressed its stand in a position paper submitted to the Provincial Board, with at least 39 signatories as of Wednesday.

"We strongly oppose the entry, planting and distribution of living GMOs in our province," the group said.

They said their position "stems from the direct and lasting consequences that living GMOs would have on the hotel and restaurant industry - an industry that...