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PHILIPPINES: Indigenous association speaks out against banana plantation expansion

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.