Malaybalay passes resolution stopping expansion of agri plantations
The city council noted the expansion of plantations in barangays Bangcud, Cabangahan, Casisang, Imbayao, Laguitas, Magsaysay, Mapayag, and San Jose.
Barroso said the fruit companies would deal directly with the land owners without bothering to obtain the prior consent of the barangay councils and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
He said the resolution came after the committee hearings on the impact of the expansion on the environment and agriculture.
He noted that barangays Mapayag and Imbayao in particular have complained about the expansion.[]
Barroso said the fruit companies employed land development practices that tend to damage the environment, such as flattening of slopes to maximize plantation areas.
He added that the City ENRO has received complaints that the fruit companies allegedly practice a form of cloud dispersal that drives away rain from a certain area affecting local farmers.
“They have yet to convince us also about their flood control and damage control systems,” Barroso said, adding the City ENRO is yet to form a technical working group to study the actual impact.
City Councilor Roland Deticio, who filed a similar resolution, argued that the resolution must be imposed already while the study is being conducted to stop the fast rate of expansion that endangers the city’s flood control system and food security.
Barroso clarified that they are open to dialogue with the fruit companies.[]
He cited a fruit company which has scheduled an audience with the city council.
“We will hear their position. They have to convince us about what their protection systems are (for the environment and agriculture),” he added.
He noted that they may lift the moratorium if they obtain the prior informed consent of the barangays, and “if they convince us about their mechanisms.”
“But if they can’t, the moratorium will stay for a long time,” he said. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)
