By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
Masipag said that when farming first became dependent on chemicals, synthetic and imported inputs that were institutionalized through the green revolution program in 1960s, the incidence of poverty and hunger steadily increased in the countryside, especially among the farmers.
BY KENETTE JEAN I. MILLONDAGA
Davao Today
Citing cases where additional funding of health programs by the government failed to reduce ailments suffered especially by children in remote villages, Pedro Arnado of peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Southern Mindanao Region, hopes this one will not again be for naught.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
“GM corn has completely changed the landscape of corn farming in the country, in a negative way,” Dr. Chito Medina, National Coordinator of farmers’ welfare advocacy group, Masipag (Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-ulad ng Agrikultura).
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
Casiño filed House Bill 5405 or the One Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011 in October last year, saying it’s the State’s responsibility to “promote the utilization of renewable energy resources to reduce dependence on imported energy from fossil fuels.” The bill also takes into account public health and the environment.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Davao, said farmers have complained of low incomes and bankruptcy due to their failure to pay mounting debts from traders in business with multinational genetically-modified seed producers.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
Kadamay: “Ang mga trabahante dinhi sa siyudad gagmay ra og sweldo apan ang mga palaliton mahal kaayo. Unsaon man nila pagkabayad sa amortisasyon sa pabalay?” (Workers here in urban areas receive minimal salaries against the high prices of commodities. How can they pay the housing amortization?)
By DANILDA L. FUSILERO
Davao Today
“Gibinu-angan lang mi sa gobyerno, wala man diay para sa amoa (The government is not taking us seriously, nothing has been intended for us all along)” — Lilia Gicana, 54, CARP beneficiary
By DANILDA L. FUSILERO
Davao Today
Bt Talong is a genetically-engineered eggplant that produces a toxin against a fruit and shoot borer (FSB). BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a soil bacterium whose genes are inserted to the eggplant to produce toxins against FSB.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ and ROWENO R. CABALLES
Davao Today
They call for the pull out Senate Bill 2997 as they say it spells doom not only for the employees of various water districts who will face job displacements once the bill is enacted, but the people’s access to this basic need, as well.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
CRMC President Dr. Louella Jeanne Lao, in an interview with davaotoday.com, expressed deep concerns on the effects of corporatization on their clients and employees.
