How to save water? Harvest rainwater
DAVAO CITY – An environmental group urges residents here to save water by harvesting rainwater and storing it for household chores. Mark Penalver policy advocacy specialist of the Interface Development Interventions (Idis) said “harvesting rainwater for domestic or industrial use will lessen our water utility bills since we won’t waste drinking water for flushing toilets, cleaning households or for watering gardens.” The local government passed a Davao City Rainwater Ordinance in 2009, mandating the establishment of rainwater catching systems (RCS) in newly built residences and buildings. The policy was formulated to promote the storage and usage of rainwater for non-potable use.
Fake rice? Eat organic rice
DAVAO CITY — Organic food advocates here are encouraging local consumers to try out different varieties of organically grown rice in the local market amidst the growing concern about “fake” rice in the market. On Sunday, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to investigate the alleged fake rice. Rice retailers were also warned by Duterte saying that they will be held accountable if proven that they are selling fake rice.
Groups launch 2016 Lunhaw Awards
DAVAO CITY – Groups from civil society, the academe and the local government launched Thursday an awards event recognizing outstanding green initiatives in Davao City. The “Lunhaw Awards aims to recognize and honor Davaoeños with commendable innovative initiatives in environmental management and sustainability.” The awards is in line with various events in an EcoFestival set from June 24-30.
Apo Agua, DCWD asked to present plans to water council
DAVAO CITY — A non-government organization has raised concerns over the planned bulk water supply project that will tap the Tamugan River, one of Davao City’s protected watershed areas. Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), an NGO working to protect Davao’s watershed areas, has asked the project proponents, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo Aqua Infrastructra, Inc. (AAII),to present their agreement and plan before the Water Management Council (WMC). “We recognize the need to produce more potable water but there are legitimate concerns on the potential negative impact of the project to local biodiversity and the communities living near the rivers,” said Chinkie Pelino, IDIS advocacy coordinator and a member of the WMC.
2015 Watershed Summit to review impact of reforestation efforts
This year’s Watershed Summit will highlight various reforestation initiatives in Davao City, from the uplands down to the coastal areas. “Over the years, there have been a lot of reforestation activities conducted by government, schools, and private organizations along the watersheds. Now, its time for us to view how far we’ve reached in terms of whether we have been able to reforest our uplands in order to protect our water sources,” said Watershed Management Council (WMC) member and IDIS executive director Ann Fuertes. Around 150 stakeholders will attend the summit, which will be hosted by the University of Mindanao, on June 26 and 27, 2015.
Groups call for ban on aerial spraying on banana plantations
MANILA, Philippines – Various civil society groups on Tuesday called on Congress to pass the long delayed bill banning aerial pesticide spraying in banana plantations nationwide. The groups, including Mamamayan Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (MAAS), said that the controversial agricultural method brings more harm than good to local communities and the environment. “Beyond its supposed economic benefits, aerial spraying is a daily menace to our communities and to the environment,” MAAS President Dagohoy Magaway said.