IMPORTATION of toxic substances like chemical fertilizer is prohibited under Republic Act 6969 signed into law in 1990 by the then President Corazon Aquino.
The law, “An Act to control toxic substances and Hazardous Wastes,“ specifies penalties for its violation, said Bayan Bago Ang Lahat, a private entity determined to disseminate into public focus issues it finds inimical to public interest.
The Act notwithstanding, according to a press statement from Gerry Constantino, Babala informant, the flow of toxic substances remains unabated. Chemical fertilizer is acidic and stunts plant growth.
“Why import toxic substances when we have equally effective vermicast organic fertilizer that has been proven safe to humans plants and environment?” he asks.
In Japan, farmers have minimized the use of chemical fertilizer after a few farmers were hospitalized due to exposure to the toxic substance.
Constantino also urged farmers to do their share of nurturing agriculture, noting the Philippines’ wealth in environment and agriculture.
A report written for Greenpeace by Pete Smith of Aberdeen University, Australia titled “Cool Farming: Climate Impact of Agriculture and Mitigating Potentials,” examines the direct and indirect impact of agriculture on the economy.
The report also details farming practices that are easy to implement. These are improved cropland management, avoiding bare fallow, using appropriate fertilizer and restoration of organic soil.