The Manobo-Aromanon-Pasakaday Association (MAPA), which represents local indigenous
peoples in Magpet on the island of Mindanao, expressed opposition to the expansion
of banana plantations in their town. MAPA vice chair Frederico Langcuban told
Asia Pulse that he opposes the plan "because it will mean displacement of
our tribes from our ancestral domain." The plantations are owned by Dole-Stanfilco
and AJMR Somitumo Holding Company of Japan. Langcuban also told Asia Pulsa that
he fears the ecological effects on drinking water, due to the chemically-dependent
banana plantations.
