Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc.

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.

Davao City’s Upland Watersheds

What is happening to the watersheds today?

Massive deforestation due to illegal logging and years of neglect endanger the Davao mountain’s capacity to continue serving its function as large water reservoirs.

The expansion of agricultural plantations is dramatically changing the landscape of the uplands resulting in soil erosion, landslides, and flashfloods, threatening our water sources.

Things I should know about the Davao City Watershed Code

Contains the key provisions of the city’s landmark ordinance – the importance of watersheds, the areas in the watersheds that need to protected, who is tasked to ensure its implementation and the penalties for those who do not follow the law.