DAVAO CITY- An environment group welcomed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s directive to stop the use of chemicals in combating the rat infestation that has plagued farms in the hinterlands. Lia Esquillo, executive director of the Interface Development Interventions Inc. (IDIS), said the directive was in tune with the city’s direction toward ensuring a healthy […]
IDIS joins calls for DA to rehabilitate Mindanao’s watersheds
DAVAO CITY – A local environmental advocacy group welcomed the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) recommendation that the Department of Agriculture and local government units should prioritize watershed rehabilitation in Mindanao to lessen the impact on farming systems in the island. The Interface Development Interventions, Inc, (IDIS) which advocates for the preservation of […]
Organic farming advocates challenge UPMin to show proof that latest talong plantings are not Bt-modified crops
DAVAO CITY – An island network representing organic farmers and their support groups is challenging the University of the Philippines Mindanao’s (UPMin) assurance that the latest round of eggplant trial testing at its campus site in Bago Oshiro does not involve the genetically modified Bt talong. Go Organic Mindanao (GOM) in its press statement said […]
UPMin challenged: be upfront on the nature of Bt talong field testing
DAVAO CITY – Organic groups in Davao challenged the University of the Philippines in Mindanao (UPMin) to be transparent on the true nature of the genetically modified Bt eggplant field testing. Previous statements prepared by UP Mindanao officials on the nature of experimental trials are now cast in doubt as copies of the contract have […]
Attempts to amend OA ordinance a backward step for Davao City, say organic advocates
DAVAO CITY – Members of the organic agriculture movement assailed the plans of the City Council Committee on Agriculture to amend the Organic Agriculture Ordinance of Davao City ostensibly to allow the field testing of the genetically modified Bt talong. “It is ironic that the call to review the organic agriculture ordinance came after proponents […]
Ban all GM crops, groups ask city council
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) — Groups promoting organic agriculture urged the City Council to reject not only Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) eggplant, the first genetically modified vegetable scheduled for commercialization next year, but also all genetically modified crops in Davao City.
Lia Esquillo, executive director of the Interface Development Interventions Inc., made the call during the city council committee on agriculture hearing also attended by scientists and proponents of Bt eggplant.