|
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Group calls for comprehensive study on aerial spray ban bid
By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) called for the conduct of a comprehensive study before a ban on aerial spraying is considered in Davao City.
Association technical committee director Dr. Anacleto Pedrosa said the issues and concerns raised in the City Council's proposal "has no comprehensive study to really justify the banning of aerial spraying."
Pedrosa said the proposal is not even clear what it intends to ban, the use of plane or the use of fungicide in the aerial spraying?
He explained that there are three components in aerial spraying -- the airplane, the fungicide, and the banana plantations.
Pedrosa said it is likely that the proposed ordinance calls for the banning of fungicide.
If this is done, it will not only be banana plantations that will be affected but all other crops that use fungicide.
"Madaming complications ang aerial spraying na di natin nakikita at naiintindihan e," Pedrosa said.
He added that the fungicides used in aerial spraying are at its minimum toxicity level that is considered least harmful to humans.
Pedrosa said a contamination of the chemical on human skin can easily be washed off and would leave no danger one one's health, and that the effects of aerial spraying are more psychological than medical.
Aside from using chemicals that are not life threatening, a clear mapping of the field by global positioning system ensures that drift of chemicals sprayed would not reach residential areas.
Despite all the mitigating measures they employ, association officials said they are still willing to improve their methodology further as a compromise.
Group members also denied ever threatening to pack up their business in the city and transfer to other areas once aerial spraying is banned.
"Through thick and thin we will stick it out with the city," Noel Venus of the association's Task Force Environment said.
The group appealed to city officials and the public to look at the issue "logically and not emotionally."
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 16, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
