SunStar Davao Editorial: Surviving the aerial spray ban
September 26th, 2007 at 11:51 pm (General, Environment, Davao City, Writable Writes)
Today’s SunStar Davao Editorial debunks the argument of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) that the Ban on Aerial Spraying will have “dire economic effects”.
Rather than antagonizing the PBGEA, the editorial offers a straightforward counter-argument:
But the ban, if it is sustained by the Court of Appeals, will not cause the demise of the banana industry. It may, however, mean higher cost of production should the plantations be forced to use more manpower for the manual application of the chemicals by way of hand-carried sprayers, or the reduction in areas planted to banana due to the cutting down of banana stalks to allow more space for use by motorized chemical sprayers. Any such loss may be compensated through an increase in the price of bananas if such increase proves tenable.
The counter-argument may be quite simplistic. But it is not entirely wrong. The PBGEA might find it hard and difficult to adjust to manual application of pesticides and other chemicals. But this does not necessarily mean lesser profit. In the long run, they will, I hope, realize that the environmental, health, and social ramifications of what they have given up far exceed the economic costs.
The editorial closes with the expression of the confidence on the ability of the local banana industry to withstand this “economic” setback:
Related Posts:Be that as it may, the corporate banana industry is here to stay, notwithstanding the aerial spray ban that in the end will turn out to be a minor irritant that corporate geniuses will eventually overcome.
- Another TRO on the Aerial Spray Ban
- TRO on Aerial Spray Ban Expires Today
- PBGEA Appeals Aerial Spraying Ban
- Davao City Targets 70% Reduction in Solid Wastes
- Even Duterte didn’t deliver a 12-0
SunStar Davao Editorial: Surviving the aerial spray ban | Latest Blog News said,
September 27, 2007 at 1:11 am
[…] Original post by Maria […]
Guillermo Prat said,
November 7, 2007 at 7:17 pm
I would also expect that “corporate geniuses” will also compute how much more it would cost to remain in Davao City as against other places in the world, profit being the main determinant.
I do not disagree with the ban, I only wish that the situation was managed better. Investors have a cowardly commodity called “money.” If the “climate” cannot ensure profits, “money” runs away. If we truly want investments to provide jobs for our growing population, let us think more clearly and act accordingly. The Philippines is already rated as a difficult place to invest in, too much risk. Why add more?
Guillermo Prat said,
November 8, 2007 at 7:42 pm
The national papers have picked up the story of the 11 year old from Ma-a who committed suicide because of poverty.
Those people who cheer their victory in getting a ban on the spray, keep cheering.
Yes, let us “regulate” all businesses out of this city so we can get into the national news again!
A sad, sad day indeed.
peoplevsprofit said,
November 29, 2007 at 12:53 am
We are working towards having that TRO lifted! YES!!! Join us!!!
http://peoplevsprofit.wordpress.com