Davao City mulls ban on pesticide spraying

DAVAO CITY — City councilors will decide tomorrow whether to totally ban or just regulate the aerial spraying of pesticides in banana plantations here.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier pushed for a total ban on aerial spraying of pesticides possibly starting next year.

In tackling the proposed ordinance, the councilors are alarmed over the harmful effects of pesticides on the health of banana plantation workers and residents of nearby communities.

The city council held a special session last Wednesday to be briefed on the pros and cons of aerial spraying of pesticides.

Environmental groups are demanding a total ban, while banana growers are insisting on regulated use of pesticides.

The National Poison Control and Information Service has cited several scientific studies showing the harmful effects of aerial spraying of pesticides. — Edith Regalado