THE local government of Floridablanca has finally implemented the closure order against a piggery farm in Barangay Gutad.
In September 24, 2019, a cease and desist order was signed by Mayor Darwin Manalansan against Evergreen Bioscience Technologies Inc., which was ordered to stop operating the piggery farm for alleged violation of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Manalansan, who personally issued the cease and desist order, said Wednesday, May 27, that the delay of closure was due to the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) and the current coronavirus pandemic.
"Dapat matagal na na-implement and cease and desist order at closure ng piggery farm, pero dahil sa ASF at Covid-19, na delay ang pagpapatupad nito," Manalansan said.
Manalansan said the farm has reportedly failed to eradicate the foul odor, which has brought flies and which is being complained by residents of Barangays Gutad, Anon and Bodega.
"Marami na sa mga kababayan ko ang nagrereklamo dahil sa mabahong amoy na nangagaling sa piggery farm. Ayaw natin magkasakit ang atin mga nasasakupan kaya minarapat natin ipasara ito dahil sa sunod sunod na violations nila. Binigyan naman natin sila ng mahabang panahon para ayusin ang operations nila ngunit hindi nila ito nagawa," Manalansan said.
The mayor said they welcome investors and businesses in the town provided they will comply with existing health and sanitation laws and will locate in the proper zoning area.
In August 9, 2019, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro) and Municipal Health Office issued a warning against the piggery farm to eradicate the foul odor in 30 days, saying failure to do so will result in its closure.
Manalansan said the piggery farm has continued to ignore the warning of the local government and is considered allegedly a "nuisance" to the community.
He said the closure order was issued upon the recommendation of the Environment Natural Resources Office (Enro) and Menro, which conducted a surprise joint inspection last September 3, 2019 due to the continued complaints of residents that foul odor has been emanating from the piggery farm.
"During the surprise inspection, it was found out that there was no recent development despite earlier directive to fix the problem," Manalansan said.
He said the monitoring team also noted several violations of the ECC, such as failure to implement proper housekeeping practices to prevent generation of obnoxious odor and proliferation of flies in the area and adjacent vicinities and that the mortality pit is not provided with adequate lining to prevent contamination of ground water.
"In view of the foregoing recommendation of the monitoring team [Enro and Menro] to promote the general welfare of our constituents, you are hereby directed to cease and desist from operating your piggery farm upon receipt of this letter," Manalansan said in his letter dated September 24, 2019.
He said the piggery farm was then given 30 days to remove all animals, machines and other equipment used in its operation. But because of the ASF and Covid-19 the order was only implemented Wednesday, May 27.
As of Wednesday, the local government has closed the piggery farm complex and no people and vehicles are allowed to enter and leave the premises. (Chris Navarro)