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 environment for Dabawenyos.
“This comes as no surprise for us, considering that the previous policies that have been crafted in Davao City have always been pro environment,” she said.
As a member of the EcoWaste Coalition, advocating sustainable solutions to chemical issues, climate change and waste, IDIS is also campaigning for the widespread adoption of the precautionary principle in dealing with environmental cases such as the rat infestation.
The precautionary principle approach puts the protection of health and the environment over and above the purposed benefits the use of chemicals may result to.
“The widespread use of a rodenticide to wipe out the rats may have unforeseen effects on the environment. This is why it is best to look at environment-friendly pest management methods to control the rat infestation in croplands,” she added.
Esquillo also emphasized the need to protect the biodiversity of the farmlands.
“Studies have shown the pest control is an important ecosystem service that is dependent on biodiversity. To improve pest control, we need to ensure that the environment is healthy enough to support diverse populations of natural enemies of pests,” she said.
Last week, City Agriculturist’s Office head Leo Avila revealed that the rampant killing of snakes and owls have left the rodents with no natural predators to curb their population.