SOME residents in Barangay Sibago in Pinamungajan town, southwest of Cebu have complained of “fly infestation” in their neighborhood.
The culprit, according to the residents, is a poultry farm whose owner was already given a deadline to solve the problem.
The infestation prompted four residents living in Sibago to reach out to SunStar Cebu's news and commentary program “Beyond the Headlines” to ask for assistance.
Joanna (real name withheld) told SunStar Cebu that the flies may cause illness especially to children in the area.
A photo sent by Joanna to SunStar on June 13, 2023 showed swarm of flies on the table, floor, and wire. Joanna said she had to light a candle to kill or draw the flies away.
On Friday, June 16, three more residents of Barangay Sibago reached out to SunStar’s Beyond the Headlines and showed a photo of the situation.
Pinamungajan Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro, in a text message on Wednesday, June 14, said the poultry farm was inspected on June 7 and was given five days to comply with and solve the problem.
Baricuatro said the sanitary inspector, municipal health officer, and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel conducted a reinspection on June 13 and the owner was given until June 15 to solve the problem.
A cease and desist order will be issued against the poultry farm if the owner fails to comply with the necessary requirements and solve the problem, she added.
Baricuatro also said that the owner of the poultry farm sent an explanation letter to the Pinamungajan Municipal Hall and vowed they will expedite the washing and cleaning of the farm’s premises.
The owner was also thinking of using other chemicals for fly control, sge added.
SunStar Cebu tried to contact Baricuatro on Friday, June 16, for the result on the reinspection, but phone calls were not answered. (Lesly Sagayap, NWSSU intern)