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Monday, February 12, 2007
Banana growers warn of retrenchment
By Carlo P. Mallo
DAVAO CITY -- The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) has no choice but to respect the decision of Davao City to ban aerial spraying in plantations, association president Stephen Antig said.
But, he said, this will mean retrenchment of workers.
In an interview with Sun.Star, Antig said many workers and small banana plantation growers would feel the brunt of the ban.
Of the estimated 7,500-strong workforce of banana plantations in the city, 20 percent would have to be laid off as the area of banana plantations would be reduced to accommodate the road networks required as they shift from aerial spraying to the boom spray method, he said.
Antig also said part of their plans would be to send another letter of reconsideration to the Office of the City Mayor asking for at least the extension of the phase-out period from three months to three to five years.
The association wanted a 25-year phase-out period but councilors scoffed at the proposal.
Antig also said that with the ban, some major players of the banana industry were considering to move out of the city and invest in areas with "more supportive" local government units.
The intervention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Antig, is also an option but said they would rather settle the issue locally first.
He added that the association could source their products from outside Davao City in order to fill the demands of the world market.
"The critics of the banana industry are entitled to their own opinions," Antig said.
"However they should come up with concrete proof and evidence to prove their stand," he added.
He also said it is unfair for the industry to be sternly criticized when it has done a lot to the development of various communities.
Asked if he has any message for the mayor, Antig had only this to say: "We always respect your decision, but we would really appreciate it if you would reconsider the time given to the industry to shift the mode of spraying."
Aerial spraying is practiced by those growing cavendish banana for export. Around 2,000 hectares of plantation land is planted with cavendish banana in the city.
The city, in fact, grows more cardaba bananas, which do not use aerial spraying and have less chemical inputs, because they are sold as banana chips and the outward appearance does not matter so much.
Cavendish bananas, on the other hand, require a lot of chemicals because the market demands fresh fruits that are pleasing to the eyes, without any discoloration and imperfections and of the exact size ordered. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pampanga. (February 12, 2007 issue)
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