Friday, December 16, 2005 (Philippines)

Members of the Partidong Manggagawa take their lunch as they picket along Roxas Boulevard to denounce World Trade Organization talks going on in Hong Kong. They are asking government for protection for local products and produce from unfair competition. (Sun.Star Davao/Seth delos Reyes) A RICH water source hill in the Baguio District of Davao City is now the object of destructive clearing operations of some farmers in the area. Local officials have recognized the significance of the hill to the city. The naked part of Mt. Gaway in Barangay Carmen is now more than three hectares. Underlying the hill is a spring that supplies the water needs of the villages of Carmen, Baguio, Wines, Cadalian, and Tawan-Tawan. [full story]