Proper labelling of GMO products to be pushed
DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, vice-chair of the Committee on Agriculture of the Davao City Council, said they will push for proper labeling of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products for consumer’s benefit. Zozobrado, in a media interview at the sideliness of the policy forum protecting the rights of Organic Agriculture Practitioners in Davao City Against Genitically Modified Organism contamination, said that she will collaborate with councilor Marissa Abella Committee on Food and Agriculture to push through an ordinance that will ensure proper labeling of farm products. “After listening earlier, you’ll see how dangerous ang introduction ng GMO and we know also for a fact that spread out na ang GMO. I am thinking of collaboration with Councilor Abella because it is her committee,” Zozobrado said.
Envi group pushes gov’t to use lead safe paints
DAVAO CITY – Environmental group Interface Development Interventions, said the local government should have a policy requiring government agencies to get lead-safe paint. Executive Director Ann Fuertes said in a statement that the policy “will send a strong message that the Davao LGU is taking the lead in reducing real and potential exposure to lead and mercury which can be found in paints, gasoline, lamps and batteries.” “This will mean that government purchasing entities will be mandated to procure lead-safe paints for use in the construction of all citywide government facilities,” she added.
Davao organic group eyes certification of 100 local organic farms
DAVAO CITY — Davao’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group is looking to give organic certification to up to 100 small farms in the city as construction of a permanent organic produce trading post goes on in the city center. Nena R. Morales, Davao-PGS chairwoman, said the group has already awarded certificates to five organic farmers and farms so far. Twenty are currently being assessed, with several still lined up for the rest of the year. The PGS, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) headquartered in Germany, “are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.” Ms. Morales further explained that under the PGS, an organic farmer is examined by a peer network of organic farmers and stakeholders that verify compliance with established standards.
Paint companies say no to lead
SEVEN paint companies has confirmed to no longer carry products with toxic lead additives as support on Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) procurement for a lead-safe paint. In partnership with the Ecowaste Coalition, a nationwide environmental watchdog group, submitted a position paper to the committee, which is headed by Councilor Leonardo Avila III in aid of legislation. The companies, which prefer to be unnamed, has officially sent letters to the EcoWaste Coalition reiterating their commitment to comply with the phase-out timeline. Local paint manufacturers begun transitioning to non-lead paint production. IDIS said that there are lead-free paints that are already available in the market.
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.