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Saturday, March 24, 2007
Banana firms still not ready for aerial spray ban
By Carlo P. Mallo
DAVAO CITY -- Banana plantation companies here are still not ready to abide by the city's aerial spraying ban, even as the three-month countdown for its implementation started Friday since its approval by the City Council last January.
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Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) president Stephen Antig admitted that the banana industry will still not be able to comply with the aerial spray ban law of the city, insisting that the three-month phase is too short.
He said Friday a banana company needs, at least, five years to cope with the changes required by the ban.
PBGEA, according to Antig, is considering all options in their quest to find a better deal for themselves although they are trying to avoid legal battles.
"We are not the only country producing bananas in the world, but we are the only country that has the aerial spray ban," Antig said.
City residents have pushed for the banning of aerial spray as an agricultural practice as there are studies that it poses threat on people's health.
Antig said PBGEA has already sent two letters of appeal to the city mayor. He added that the mayor is yet to give his feedback on the last one.
In February, PBGEA had a closed-door meeting with Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.
Antig said Yap promised to do everything to help the industry. He said Yap realized the importance of the banana industry in Southern Mindanao.
"After losing the battle against a ban, the banana industry in the city still believes in investing in the city," he said. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (March 24, 2007 issue)
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