Environment

Big banana behind Davao bet’s defeat?


Nenita Orcullo, who ran for councilor in the third district, angered Davao's banana companies. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)

By Germelina A. Lacorte |

Nenita Orcullo says because of her stand against the aerial spraying of pesticides, multinational banana companies launched a "massive campaign," which included intimidating workers in banana plantations, to make sure that she would be defeated in the May 14 elections. Orcullo, who authored the law that will implement the ban this month, said what happened to her sends a strong message to the city's officials that they, too, can be destroyed by the banana industry.

Related stories: Pilot says drift of aerial-sprayed pesticides can?t be controlled | Witness tearfully testifies at aerial spraying hearings

Continue ReadingBig banana behind Davao bet’s defeat?

Pilot says drift of aerial-sprayed pesticides can’t be controlled

Below is a press release sent by IDIS, a environmental group in Davao that is monitoring the marathon hearings on the injunction being sought by the banana companies against aerial spraying:

DAVAO CITY — A retired commercial airline pilot whose background includes waste management and pollution control testified Wednesday that even Deferential Global Positioning System-equipped airplanes used in aerial spraying doesn?t stop drift from reaching non-target areas.
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Continue ReadingPilot says drift of aerial-sprayed pesticides can’t be controlled

Witness tearfully testifies at aerial spraying hearings

Below is a press release sent by IDIS, a environemntal group in Davao that is monitoring the marathon hearings on the injunction being sought by the banana companies against aerial spraying:

DAVAO CITY — A witness of the city government in the ongoing battle over aerial spraying against the big banana aggrupation Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) twice broke into tears in Tuesday?s hearing at the regional trial court branch 17.

Cecelia Moran, a resident of barangay Dacudao in Calinan District, became emotional when she was being questioned by presiding Judge Renato Fuentes himself before the hearing adjourned.
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Continue ReadingWitness tearfully testifies at aerial spraying hearings

Philippine Eagle Week begins; time for unity and national pride

DAVAO CITY — The heat from the May elections may not have dissipated yet, but the arrival of the month of June brings potent reminders for Filipinos to rally as one nation. Philippine Independence Day is traditionally celebrated on June 12, while the lesser known but perhaps increasingly significant Philippine Eagle Week is held June 4-10 of each year.

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Continue ReadingPhilippine Eagle Week begins; time for unity and national pride

Protesters picket Asia-Pacific mining conference in Philippines

MANILA – A wide spectrum of sectors and organizations affiliated with Defend Patrimony alliance today protested against the wanton extraction and plunder of the Philippine’s mineral reserves as it challenged industry players to uphold a mining policy that would benefit the people foremost.
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Continue ReadingProtesters picket Asia-Pacific mining conference in Philippines