Biotechnology research firm Monsanto Philippines Inc. is reaping for the first time its initial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn seeds, according to Emmanuel S. Borlongan, Monsanto's director for government and public affairs, in an interview Friday.

Borlongan said Monsanto expects the first cropping to encourage farmers to shift to the technology in the next planting season, when they see the higher production yields brought about by the seeds' built-in protection against the corn borer pest.