The large majority of plantation owners in the Philippines continue to aerial spray their crops with highly toxic pesticides and insecticides, compromising worker safety and the health of the surrounding communities. With the goal of completely banning the spraying of pesticides, banning or restricting highly hazardous pesticides, and promoting chemical-free ecological agriculture, Citizens Alliance Unified for Sectoral Empowerment Davao del Sur (CAUSE-DS) and Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Philippines organizers began this project by staging a forum in the most affected village. Farmers, community members, and village officials who attended this forum were provided with education and information about protecting themselves from pesticides. A multi-media campaign was also implemented, and included showing a documentary video, hanging streamers containing anti-pesticide slogans, and using the local radio to get out the message. CAUSE-DS was also able convene a meeting with farmers and the local mayoral office for dialogue about this issue and to establish concrete plans for policy changes concerning pesticides.
