People run for cover when crop dusters fly
Dili kami peste (We are not pests.) This is the cry of communities near banana plantations in Mindanao who have to suffer the adverse effects of regular toxic aerial spraying meant to kill pests in bananas. School children on their way to school, farmers cultivating their small farms, people drinking coffee al fresco and families doing their daily chores are among those who suffer indirect hits and have to run for cover when airplanes unleash pesticides on vast banana plantations. While they are not the intended targets, there is no way they can avoid getting hit by the airplanes? toxic load. Respiratory and skin ailments are among the first signs of a toxic hit.
Profit vs. People: A point-by-point response to plantation companies’ assertions on aerial spraying
Davao City is waging a battle to stop banana plantations from using aerial spraying as a way of dispensing pesticides. The practice exposes more people and the environment to poison. Banana plantations assert that the pesticides they use are safe and that aerial spraying hardly affects anyone. The primer answers these points one by one based on scientific studies all around the world and testimonies of affected residents.
The Story of Toxic Shower
Learn about the unconscionable practice of aerial spraying of pesticides by banana plantations. Find out why this concerns you.
Pesticides and Monocultures
Did you know that 48 people per minute are poisoned by pesticides? That the Philippines continue to use pesticides that are already banned in other countries? Find out what chemical companies don’t want you to know about pesticides. Learn as well how monoculture farms add to the pesticide menace.
Water for Life, Clean and Abundant Water for all
Find out about the water cycle, the role of forests and trees in producing water, how much freshwater we have on earth and how the supply of our freshwater is undermined because of what people do. Learn also many interesting tidbits about water including what you can do to take care of our water resources.
Call of the River
Ever wondered how rivers are formed? the role rivers play in our environment? how many Philippine rivers are dead? what causes a river to die? the significance of the Davao River? This primer tells you the answers to these questions and more.