Five years ago, or on August 16, 2021 The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association in what will become the infamous case Mosqueda, et al versus PBGEA. The Ordinance Banning the use of Aerial Spray in all Agricultural entities within the city was declared unconstitutional for violating the equal protection clause and due process protected by the 1987 Constitution, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spray (MAAS), and the City Government of Davao was also denied. It was a decision that until today we believe was wrong and unfair, the highest court of the land should have reconsidered and taken into consideration the welfare of those that are vulnerable the young, the old, and the immunocompromised. They should have ruled against the poison rain.

Years after the ordinance was declared unconstitutional, plantations continue their aerial spraying practices and our worry is that it will not be long before we will be back at the beginning, back in the dark days wherein we fear for the health and welfare of both the young and old Davaoeños.

For the pilot episode of Bantay Kinaiyahan, the former Executive Director of IDIS, Mary Ann Fuertes, who frontlined in the campaign against aerial spraying several years ago, will share the struggles of the community affected by aerial spraying. She will also elaborate on the campaign and lobbying efforts of IDIS to stop the poison rain in the City. Lastly, she will also share the ways forward in reviving the Ban Aerial Spraying Campaign.

Bantay Kinaiyahaan Ep 1: The Campaign Against Poison Rain Continues

This month’s episode of the Bantay Kinaiyahan podcast will provide an avenue to discuss the thriving zero waste movement in Davao City and how they are faring amidst the pandemic.

IDIS Inc