1. Stop the ToxicStop the Toxic
ShowerShower
The Ban Aerial SprayingThe Ban Aerial Spraying
CampaignCampaign
IDIS, September 2008IDIS, September 2008

2. What is aerial spraying?What is aerial spraying?
 form of pesticide application that uses a small
airplane or helicopter
 used by the banana plantations in Davao City
since 1960s
 targets sigatoka, a fungus that attacks the
leaves of banana plants and causes premature
aging of fruits
 mixture sprayed usually composed of pesticide,
water, the oil or sticker and emulsifier
 in the Philippines, only fungicides are allowed
by FPA to be sprayed aerially

3.  The chemicalsThe chemicals
sprayed is inherentlysprayed is inherently
poisonpoison
 Pesticides arePesticides are
designed to killdesigned to kill
 Even if registered byEven if registered by
the Fertilizer andthe Fertilizer and
Pesticide Authority,Pesticide Authority,
still havestill have
ill effects on non-targetill effects on non-target
organismsorganisms
 All banned pesticidesAll banned pesticides
were once allowed forwere once allowed for
useuse
Why is there a need to ban aerialWhy is there a need to ban aerial
spraying?spraying?

4. Pesticide Poisoning Victims in IndiaPesticide Poisoning Victims in India

5. Pesticide Poisoning Victims in MindanaoPesticide Poisoning Victims in Mindanao

6. Fungicides sprayedFungicides sprayed
and their health effectsand their health effects
ActiveActive
IngredientIngredient
ProductProduct
Name/BrandName/Brand
Documented health effectsDocumented health effects
AzoxystrobinAzoxystrobin Bankit 250 ECBankit 250 EC Highly toxic to fish and invertebrates; not allowedHighly toxic to fish and invertebrates; not allowed
for use in Canadafor use in Canada
BiterthanolBiterthanol Baycor 300ECBaycor 300EC Possible source of birth defects; not allowed forPossible source of birth defects; not allowed for
use in US farmsuse in US farms
PropiconazolePropiconazole Bumper 250 ECBumper 250 EC Possibly carcinogenic/cancer-causing; containsPossibly carcinogenic/cancer-causing; contains
reproductive toxinsreproductive toxins
TridemorphTridemorph Calixin 750 ECCalixin 750 EC Causes birth defects; not allowed for use inCauses birth defects; not allowed for use in
Canada and UKCanada and UK
MancozebMancozeb Dithane 448 FDithane 448 F Carcinogenic; contains reproductive toxins; mayCarcinogenic; contains reproductive toxins; may
cause birth defects; suspected to disruptcause birth defects; suspected to disrupt
endocrine functionsendocrine functions
ChlorotalonilChlorotalonil Daconil 720 FDaconil 720 F Carcinogenic; highly toxic to fish and aquaticCarcinogenic; highly toxic to fish and aquatic
invertebrates; bio- accumulates in fishinvertebrates; bio- accumulates in fish

7. Fungicides sprayedFungicides sprayed
and their health effectsand their health effects
ActiveActive
IngredientIngredient
ProductProduct
Name/BrandName/Brand
Documented health effectsDocumented health effects
ManebManeb Maneb 80 WPManeb 80 WP Causes birth defects; probable source ofCauses birth defects; probable source of
carcinogens; potential source of reproductivecarcinogens; potential source of reproductive
toxinstoxins
DiteconazoleDiteconazole Sico 250 ECSico 250 EC No available dataNo available data
PropiconazolePropiconazole Tilt 250 ECTilt 250 EC Possibly carcinogenic; contains reproductivePossibly carcinogenic; contains reproductive
toxinstoxins
MancozebMancozeb Vondozeb Plus 80Vondozeb Plus 80
WPWP
Potential cause of birth defectsPotential cause of birth defects
ThiophanateThiophanate
MethylMethyl
Topsin M 70 WPTopsin M 70 WP Very highly toxic to catfish; toxic to earthworms;Very highly toxic to catfish; toxic to earthworms;
causes damage to thyroid glands, producingcauses damage to thyroid glands, producing
hyperthyroidismhyperthyroidism

8.  Aerial spraying increases the spray drift
increasing toxic exposure
 predictable percentage of spray drift can reach to 3.2 km from
the treatment site -- USEPA
 80 km – in hilly terrain under windy conditions – a study in central
Washington
 contaminates open/exposed bodies of water (rivers, wetlands,
and springs) where people get drinking water
 contaminates the roofs of houses where people usually collect
rainwater for domestic use
 contaminates people, animals, other crops
Why is there a need to ban aerialWhy is there a need to ban aerial
spraying?spraying?

9. Common occurrence. Children on the way to school is sprayed by pesticides.
Subasta, Davao City. June 2006. Photo by Dags Magaway

11.  Poor regulations on aerial spraying; lack of
enforcement; lack of monitoring
 Regulations for aerial spraying not regularly
monitored by Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority
because of lack of personnel and budget
 No environmental health monitoring
 Vegetative buffer zones near schools, rivers, public
roads, and houses, not complied with by banana
companies
 In Alaska, the current required buffers to protect drinking
water sources is 66 meters
 Proposed buffer zones by different concerned organizations
is >1 mile around drinking water.
Why is there a need to ban aerialWhy is there a need to ban aerial
spraying?spraying?

13.  YesYes
 Dr. Romy Quijano; Dr. Hernandez, et alDr. Romy Quijano; Dr. Hernandez, et al
 Dr. Lynn Panganiban (Head of NationalDr. Lynn Panganiban (Head of National
Poison Management and Control Center andPoison Management and Control Center and
Dr. N. Maramba (UP College of Medicine), etDr. N. Maramba (UP College of Medicine), et
alal
 Kalusugan Alang sa Bayan (KAABAY)Kalusugan Alang sa Bayan (KAABAY)
 DOH study, 2006DOH study, 2006
Are there local and internationalAre there local and international
studies that support the banstudies that support the ban
position?position?

14. Drs. Quijano,Hernandez, et alDrs. Quijano,Hernandez, et al
 11 out 24 individuals examined and water11 out 24 individuals examined and water
samples from hand-pump well (source ofsamples from hand-pump well (source of
drinking water in the community) weredrinking water in the community) were
positive for ETU – ethylenethioureapositive for ETU – ethylenethiourea
(metabolite of mancozeb)(metabolite of mancozeb)
 A spectrum of medical complaints andA spectrum of medical complaints and
symptoms that is similar, if not identical tosymptoms that is similar, if not identical to
the symptoms of acute pesticide poisoningthe symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning
 Occurrence of diseases atypical in quality –Occurrence of diseases atypical in quality –
severe anemia in young males and bloodsevere anemia in young males and blood
dyscrasiasdyscrasias

15.  The growth of plant and marine life were stuntedThe growth of plant and marine life were stunted
since pesticide exposure;since pesticide exposure;
 Residents related that coconut trees that used to beResidents related that coconut trees that used to be
their livelihood stopped bearing fruits. Raising pigs,their livelihood stopped bearing fruits. Raising pigs,
chickens and other animals also proved to be verychickens and other animals also proved to be very
difficult because they could die when sprayingdifficult because they could die when spraying
occurs;occurs;
 Meanwhile, fishermen complain about the regularMeanwhile, fishermen complain about the regular
occurrence of fish kills and scant catch as everoccurrence of fish kills and scant catch as ever
since the plantation started its operationssince the plantation started its operations
Toxic stories
Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur

16. Toxic storiesToxic stories
Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del SurKamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur
 Since 1980s, pesticides and herbicides are applied bySince 1980s, pesticides and herbicides are applied by
banana plantation dailybanana plantation daily
 Fungicide sprayed once or twice a monthFungicide sprayed once or twice a month
 Residents nearby complain of strong and odorousResidents nearby complain of strong and odorous
fumes every time aerial spraying is donefumes every time aerial spraying is done
 Residents experience suffocation, weakness, nausea,Residents experience suffocation, weakness, nausea,
painful stinging of the eyes and itchingpainful stinging of the eyes and itching
 Residents vulnerable to fever, vomiting, cough andResidents vulnerable to fever, vomiting, cough and
body aches, asthma, anemia, goiter, and cancerbody aches, asthma, anemia, goiter, and cancer
 Residents believe frequent deaths in the village dueResidents believe frequent deaths in the village due
to these illnesses related to pesticide exposureto these illnesses related to pesticide exposure

17. Toxic storiesToxic stories
Kamukhaan, Digos Davao del SurKamukhaan, Digos Davao del Sur
 Many cases of still birthMany cases of still birth
 Many cases of children with abnormalities such asMany cases of children with abnormalities such as
cleft palate and severe skin diseasescleft palate and severe skin diseases
 Many cases of impaired mental developmentMany cases of impaired mental development
among childrenamong children
 Children have stunted growth, delayedChildren have stunted growth, delayed
development of secondary sexual characteristics,development of secondary sexual characteristics,
suffer wasting and have mental deficienciessuffer wasting and have mental deficiencies
 Many residents exhibited signs and symptoms ofMany residents exhibited signs and symptoms of
tremors and palpitations suggestive of endocrinetremors and palpitations suggestive of endocrine
disruptiondisruption

20. From City HallFrom City Hall
to theto the
CourtroomCourtroom
 Plantations filed a case in court questioning the validityPlantations filed a case in court questioning the validity
and constitutionality of the ordinance.and constitutionality of the ordinance.

21. Pagpakita og Kusog sa KortePagpakita og Kusog sa Korte

23. RTC DECISIONRTC DECISION
 After 6 months of continuous hearings, RTC declared
ordinance as valid and constitutional
 Court gave weight to the testimony of affected residents and Dr
Lynn Panganiban
 Noted that testimonies of plantation ‘experts’ boomeranged on
them
 “The Sangguniang Panglungsod, after sufficient study and
evaluation, acted wisely and decisively to put the welfare and
concern of the people, highest priority and consideration”

24. Court of Appeals – Cagayan deCourt of Appeals – Cagayan de
OroOro
 Granted 60-day Temporary RestrainingGranted 60-day Temporary Restraining
Order against the ordinanceOrder against the ordinance
 Granted a writ of preliminary injunction onGranted a writ of preliminary injunction on
the ordinance; aerial spray planes can flythe ordinance; aerial spray planes can fly
againagain
 CA must decide on the constitutionalityCA must decide on the constitutionality
issue within 6 months (by July 2008)issue within 6 months (by July 2008)
 CA failed to decide on the main caseCA failed to decide on the main case
within the designated time framewithin the designated time frame

25. Supreme CourtSupreme Court
battle coming upbattle coming up
next . . .next . . .
 City and affected communities filed a case at theCity and affected communities filed a case at the
Supreme Court asking them to reverse the CA decisionSupreme Court asking them to reverse the CA decision
granting the preliminary injunction.granting the preliminary injunction.

26. Landmark caseLandmark case
 Community assertion of their right to live,Community assertion of their right to live,
right to health and a healthy environmentright to health and a healthy environment
vs. business interestvs. business interest
 Power and obligation of the LGU to protectPower and obligation of the LGU to protect
public welfare vs corporate greedpublic welfare vs corporate greed

27. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
 Maintain public vigilanceMaintain public vigilance . Be updated on the. Be updated on the
developments on the case as it is being heard at thedevelopments on the case as it is being heard at the
Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
 OrganizeOrganize fora, educational activities within your groupfora, educational activities within your group
or community to increase awareness on the issue.or community to increase awareness on the issue.
 Write statements of supportWrite statements of support to the Ordinance to theto the Ordinance to the
Justices, banana companies or to your favoriteJustices, banana companies or to your favorite
newspapers.newspapers.
 Sign on-line petitionSign on-line petition at www.dirtybananas.orgat www.dirtybananas.org
 Attend/organizeAttend/organize prayer vigils, creative street actionsprayer vigils, creative street actions
to press for the implementation of the ordinance.to press for the implementation of the ordinance.
 Do not eat aerial sprayed Cavendish bananasDo not eat aerial sprayed Cavendish bananas ..
Help educate Japanese and other consumers on the realHelp educate Japanese and other consumers on the real
cost of eating aerial-sprayed bananas.cost of eating aerial-sprayed bananas.

28. Aerial
spraying
is just the
tip of the
iceberg . . .
The biggerThe bigger
problem isproblem is
corporate-ledcorporate-led
plantation styleplantation style
agriculturalagricultural
system ofsystem of
monocroppingmonocropping

30.  Environmental costsEnvironmental costs
 Contamination of drinking water sources --Contamination of drinking water sources --
groundwater and surface watergroundwater and surface water
 Soil degradationSoil degradation
 Soil erosion and sedimentation of waterSoil erosion and sedimentation of water
 FlashfloodsFlashfloods
 Loss of biodiversityLoss of biodiversity
 Global warmingGlobal warming
Corporate-led agricultural systemCorporate-led agricultural system
of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

31.  Health and food safety costsHealth and food safety costs
 Pesticide poisoning in plantation areas (Dr.Pesticide poisoning in plantation areas (Dr.
Quijano study)Quijano study)
 Food contamination – pesticide found inFood contamination – pesticide found in
fish sample in Tugbokfish sample in Tugbok
 Food security costsFood security costs
 Massive conversion of actual and potentialMassive conversion of actual and potential
food production areas especially rice, corn,food production areas especially rice, corn,
vegetable landsvegetable lands
Corporate-led agricultural systemCorporate-led agricultural system
of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

32.  Circumvents agrarian reformCircumvents agrarian reform
 Reversal of land access & control underReversal of land access & control under
agrarian reformagrarian reform
 Enhances & facilitates corporate control overEnhances & facilitates corporate control over
the country’s agricultural and food productionthe country’s agricultural and food production
systemssystems
 Labor issuesLabor issues
 Labor contracting only widely practiced inLabor contracting only widely practiced in
plantation areasplantation areas
 Questionable contractsQuestionable contracts
Corporate-led agricultural system ofCorporate-led agricultural system of
monocropping is the problemmonocropping is the problem

33.  Policy issuesPolicy issues
 MTPDP – 2 million hectares for plantations, 1MTPDP – 2 million hectares for plantations, 1
million hectares of which in Mindanaomillion hectares of which in Mindanao
 DENR Administrative Order 2003-30DENR Administrative Order 2003-30
 New NCIP regulation on FPICNew NCIP regulation on FPIC
Corporate-led agricultural systemCorporate-led agricultural system
of monocropping is the problemof monocropping is the problem

34. Common occurrence. Children on the way to school is sprayed by pesticides.
Subasta, Davao City. June 2006. Photo by Dags Magaway
As the court dilly-dallies and beyond the
legal and technical issues;
The reality is, people in Davao and many
other parts of Mindanao continue, to be
sprayed with poison from airplanes.

35. Thank you!Thank you!
Please visitPlease visit
www.dirtybananas.orgwww.dirtybananas.org
And sign the on-line petitionAnd sign the on-line petition