Farmers urge SC to ban aerial spraying on Davao banana plantations
October 9, 2009 9:57 am
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
Farmers urge SC to ban aerial spraying on Davao banana plantations | balita-dot-ph
MANILA, Oct. 9 -— A group of concerned farmers and residents in Davao has filed a petition at the Supreme Court (SC) asking that aerial spraying of pesticides and fungicides in banana plantations in the locality be prohibited.
The group, led by lawyer Arnold De Vera, is also asking the SC to affirm the constitutionality of a Davao City ordinance passed in 2007 that banned the use of aerial spraying in agriculture industry in the city.
Invoking the fundamental right to life, they claimed that aerial spraying operations have caused damages and posed danger to the health of residents of communities around the banana plantations, including skin and respiratory problems.
4 more NGOs join outcry to ban aerial spraying in Davao’s banana plantations
Written by Jerry Adlaw / Correspondent
Tuesday, 25 August 2009 21:05
4 more NGOs join outcry to ban aerial spraying in Davao?s banana plantations
FOUR more nongovernment organizations (NGOs) operating globally have joined hands in the outcry calling for banning pesticides in the aerial spraying of banana plantations in Mindanao.
The four NGOs are the Pesticide Action Network in Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP), International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), Greenpeace Southeast Asia and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). They are known worldwide for their work promoting people’s rights and welfare, and environmental issues.
These four NGOs are jointly urging Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to act without delay in banning the practice of chemical aerial spraying. The four NGOs said they are acting on behalf of residents living on or near banana plantations being subjected to the practice.
DENR suspends aerial spraying in Davao City
08/27/2009 | 12:02 PM
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered the suspension of aerial spraying of pesticides and fungicides in banana plantations in the Davao City area.
Radio dzBB's Davao affiliate reported Thursday that Environment Secretary Jose “Lito" Atienza Jr. also ordered a study of the dangers of aerial spraying while the suspension is in effect.
Atienza said the suspension applies to Region 11, particularly in areas near residences.
Also, he ordered the creation of a buffer zone aerial spraying, to make sure traces of fungicide or pesticide would not get near homes.
In past months, residents, local Church groups and militants had voiced opposition to aerial spraying, citing its threat to residents' health.