TAGUM CITY—Presidential front-runner Benigno’Noynoy’ Aquino III vowed to carefully weigh the issue on banning aerial spraying when he assumes the highest position in the land.
Recognizing the important role of the banana industry in the economy, being Davao region’s number one source of export revenue, Aquino pledged to take up the matter with industry players and proponents of banning the agricultural practice in order to thresh out concerns surrounding its impact on the health of the people.
During his last visit to Davao del Norte in the heat of the presidential campaign last month, first district Congressman-elect Anthony del Rosario had the chance to ask Aquino on his position regarding the issue. Del Rosario said Aquino told him he was already aware of the controversies surrounding the issue.
He said he briefed the winning presidentiable on the negative repercussion of banning the method, given its huge impact on the economy of the whole Davao region.
“I told Noynoy I was exposed to aerial spraying since I was a young boy. But I grew up to be healthy, strong and smart,” revealed del Rosario, who edged out his opponent by a landslide victory.
He went on telling Noynoy that banning aerial spraying will signal the downfall of the banana industry as it would cause big financial losses and unemployment to more than 200,000 people.
He said Aquino acknowledged there was yet no sufficient data presented to warrant the banning of aerial spraying.
At this point, the next president agreed to multi-sectoral calls asking for a deeper study on the matter.
Recognizing del Rosario’s extensive knowledge and understanding on the subject, Aquino then asked for the congressman-elect’s assistance particularly on crafting relevant legislations that aim to protect the multi-billion banana industry if he makes it to Congress.
“Pag-usapan natin ng maigi ito pag-upo ko bilang pangulo (Let’s talk about it carefully upon my assumption),” Aquino assured. (DavNor PIO)
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