DAVAO CITY — Environmentalists and natural farming advocates in this city are once again gathering to showcase organically grown fruits and vegetables and other products in celebration of the international Earth Day on April 22.
This is part of the ongoing efforts to educate the public about the benefits of foods that are not laced with synthetic chemicals, which are dangerous to people health and to the environment.
This is also part of the efforts to help organic producers mainstream their products in a market dominated by food products manufactured through the use of ingredients that are scientifically identified as carcinogenic.
Carcinogenic or cancer-causing substances are often found in bottled and pre-packed food products. These substances are often found as food additives like coloring agents (for dried meat, ham, and sausages), artificial seasoning, preservatives, bleaching agents, anti-bacterial agents, among others.
These substances are not found in the products that will be put on display from April 21-22 at the Matina Town Square (MTS). Organic products, which are 100 percent synthetic chemical-free, like rice, vegetables, fruits, soya, kraft products and even fertilizers will be sold at reasonable prices during the Organic Market sa Dabaw.
Behind this event is the Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth or Panaghoy, a loose coalition of nongovernment organizations, peoples organizations, academe and concerned individuals brought together by their common desire to protect the integrity of creation and promote peoples role as stewards of the environment.
In December last year, the group initiated the successful First Organic Fair, also at the MTS. The said event was in time for the observation of the International No Pesticides Use Day.
The observation of Earth Day, on the other hand, is a worldwide campaign to safeguard the environment and protect peoples health. (Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth)
