Sr. Susan Bolanio, executive director of Hesed Foundation based in South Cotabato, said they are not against banana plantations. “We are only against the aerial spraying,” pointed out Bolanio, whose group was also among those who campaigned for the ban of open pit mining in the province.
Bolanio is in the city for a meeting with MAAS and other non-government organizations to strengthen the campaign against aerial spray in her province.
She relayed that residents are worried that aerial spray could contaminate the water sources of barangays Lamian and Veterans.
The local government unit has already gathered water samples from these villages for laboratory analysis. The results will be use as evidence in the passage of the ordinance, Divinagracia said.
Tony Dizon, coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, said his group is also supporting this campaign, adding that it is vital for the LGUs to pass the ordinance for the safety of their constituents.
On November 17, some 300 protesters gathered at the Allah Valley Airport and occupied a portion of the runway in a bid to stop aerial spraying activities of foreign-backed Sumifru Philippines Corporation.
The company, which operates banana plantations in Surallah and T’boli towns, has been using the airport as base of its aerial spraying operations.
