Banana growers urged to work with Congress in crafting new laws

MANILA, Philippines – House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. is urging banana growers to work closely with Congress in drawing up new laws for the banana industry.

Belmonte made the appeal recently during the induction of the new officers and directors of the Pilipino Banana Gro-wers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

Belmonte noted some of the problems of the banana industry, including the attempts to ban aerial spraying of pesticides in banana plantations.

Belmonte acknowledged the intense lobbying of groups against aerial spraying.

He cautioned that while the banana industry has gotten relief from the courts to stop the ban, the reprieve could be temporary as the issue could be elevated to the political arena.

Belmonte pointed out that there is a pending bill in the House that proposes a ban on aerial spraying of pesticides because of its alleged adverse effect on human health.

The House Speaker said “the issue of aerial spraying of pesticides must be addressed on its own merits.”

Belmonte pointed out that “an outright ban could prove detrimental, even disastrous, to the viability of our banana export industry and consequently to the businesses, growers, farmers and families who rely on the industry for their livelihood.”

He acknowledged the importance of the banana industry in Philippine agricultural trade. “The performance of our banana industry presents a bright spot in the country’s agricultural trade,” he said.

The banana industry contributes $720 million in export earnings annually, almost one-fourth of the total export earnings of Philippine agricultural trade.

According to Belmonte, the Philippines is now the second largest exporter of bananas worldwide, exporting 2.3 million tons in 2007. It is second only to Ecuador in terms of banana exports.

Banana is the second biggest among the country’s exports of agricultural and forest products, next to coconut and coconut-glazed products.

The banana industry employs 240,000 workers and contributes significantly to the national and local coffers in terms of taxes and fees.

The banana industry contributes to maintaining peace and order in Mindanao, Belmonte noted, adding that former leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are helping build banana plantations in the middle of conflict areas.

Instead of fighting the government, the rebels are now engaged in productive endeavors that provide jobs to residents in the area, Belmonte observed.

He said the local banana industry should be able to take advantage of the market opportunities opened by various free trade agreements entered into recently by the Philippines, including the Asean-China and the Asean-New Zealand-Australia free trade agreements.

He added that Congress would try to help the banana industry by assisting players compete in international trade. –Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star)