Tuesday, January 23, 2007 'Health dep't lacks competence to conclude against aerial spray' By Grace L. Plata
DR. ROMEO Quijano, a toxicologist, said the Department of Health (DOH)-Southern Mindanao lacks the competence to say that, "there is no present scientific evidence to conclude that aerial spraying in banana plantations should be banned."
Quijano, chair of Pesticide Action Network in Asia and professor of the University of the Philippines- Manila Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, said DOH used to consult his group on matters relating to poisonous materials but he is wondering why they have not done so with the aerial spray issue.
"They have to realize their limitations," Quijano said, adding that DOH should be getting the official opinion of experts on the matter before saying anything.
Quijano added that expert studies in many parts of the world have concluded that environmental pollutants such as pesticides have become causative factors of cancer.
However, Qiujano praised the "political will" exhibited by the City Council for voting in favor of the ban.
He said he is also glad about the general direction to which the issue is heading.
"This could be a start for the voice of people to be completely heard," Quijano said.
He also encouraged people to unite and remain vigilant in their goal of good health and a healthy environment.
Quijano said business is an avenue to sustain man's life but protection of that life should come first.
On the other hand, Dr. Jean Suzanne Lindo, Task Force Aerial Spray chairperson of the Davao Medical Society, said they are set to conduct a research on the over-all effects of pesticides using three different areas as subjects for study.
The proposal and treatment of the said research is targeted for completion by April of this year.
