HEALTH inspectors have flagged a sanitary concern at a poultry farm in the northern town of Catmon, Cebu, after a reinspection revealed a damaged mortality pit posing environmental and health risks.
The Municipal Health Office (MHO) issued a sanitary order on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, giving the farm in Ilum, Catmondaan 20 days to address the new sanitation issue, with a deadline set for July 3.
The order was posted on social media by former media personality and former Apas, Cebu City barangay captain Ramil Ayuman on Sunday, June 22. The copy of the order was provided by Catmondaan Barangay Captain Gene Rose Nanale.
Initial inspection
Initially, health authorities were assessing the progress of corrective actions following a first inspection on April 28. That initial inspection focused on a complaint from nearby establishments regarding a fly infestation. The April observation showed a significant reduction in fly populations around the farm due to the successful implementation of fly control measures, including traps and insecticide spraying.
However, a reinspection on May 20 revealed a new sanitary issue: the farm’s mortality pit was damaged, showing signs of broken walls and structural instability. The MHO order outlines that despite the noted reduction in fly infestation, the farm has been given until July 3 to repair or replace the pit or face possible sanctions under existing sanitation laws.
A mortality pit on a farm is a designated area, often a deep, well-contained pit or trench, used for the disposal of deceased animals. Its purpose is to ensure proper and hygienic disposal of animal remains, minimizing health risks and environmental contamination.
Risks
According to the MHO, improper carcass disposal poses several risks, including the potential for pests and scavengers to come into contact with exposed remains, increasing the chances of disease spreading within the area. Health authorities have also raised concerns that nearby soil and water sources could become contaminated, posing a significant environmental threat. The unpleasant odors from such disposal methods also create health hazards for farm workers and local residents.
As recommended measures, authorities are urging the swift repair of the damaged mortality pit to restore its structural integrity and prevent further environmental risks. Experts also suggested the construction of a new, secure disposal system that meets local regulations to ensure safe and environmentally responsible waste management.
The MHO will conduct another inspection after the specified correction period to assess the establishment’s compliance. Failure to comply will constitute a violation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and Presidential Decree 856, or the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, among others.
SunStar Cebu attempted to contact the Municipal Government of Catmon for further comment via phone calls and text messages but had not received a response by the time of publication. / DPC