Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc.

Buying at the Organic Market? Look for the PGS Logo

DAVAO CITY – If you are among the market goers at the Friday Organic Market at the Rizal Park here in the city, start looking for the Participatory Guarantee System or PGS logo as the City Agriculturist’s Office is set to enforce organic certification for the organic sellers in the weekly market. Go Organic Davao City (GODC) explained that the PGS logo ascertains the products sold by the seller are certified organic by a peer network of organic farmers. GODC said the PGS branding is part of the implementation of the city’s Organic Agriculture Ordinance and will have long-term benefits for the Dabawenyos and the environment.

SP slammed on land use plan revision

Environment advocates yesterday frowned on the Sangguniang Panlungsod when they approved on third and final reading a measure amending the provision on green spaces in subdivisions under section 13 Article XI of Ordinance No. 0546 also known as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2013-2022. The amendment virtually reduced the 10 percent required allocation by land developers of green spaces in their properties measuring about one hectare, by incorporating such requirement in the 30 percent open space allocation in every development supposedly intended for roads and drainage facilities in subdivisions. This is contrary to the objective set up in the Davao City Development Plan for 1996-2021, which aims to increase green spaces in the city by developing open spaces and establishing small and tree parks in every barangay.