By Daniel Que
The operation of a poultry farm in Barangay Babasit, Manaoag, Pangasinan has been temporarily suspended following sanitation violations amid a series of complaints from local residents about fly infestation.
The suspension comes after Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario ordered a comprehensive inspection of poultry farms in the municipality on November 11.
The inspection team, led by Sanitary Inspector Ramon Guico and Business Process Licensing Officer Marlon Vinoya, was joined by representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the Office of the Mayor. The team visited poultry farms in several barangays, including Inamotan, Cabanbanan, Baritao, Mermer, Babasit and Lipit Sur.
The inspections focused primarily on assessing sanitation practices at the farms, with particular attention given to areas where flies could breed, such as waste disposal sites and feed storage areas. Authorities are ensuring that farms adhere to proper sanitation and waste management protocols to mitigate fly infestations.
On November 12, the suspension order through Executive Order No. 129 signed by the mayor, was served to the owner of the poultry farm in Barangay Babasit, following multiple violations identified during the inspection. These violations included an overwhelming fly infestation, broken nets allowing flies to escape, and inadequate pest control measures. As a result, the farm is prohibited from hauling, loading, or transporting any products until it addresses these issues and complies with local sanitation standards.
The farm owner has apologized for the inconvenience caused to the community and assured local authorities that corrective actions will be taken in accordance with the Sanitation Code.
In response to the ongoing concerns, Mayor Rosario has announced plans to meet with all poultry farm owners in Manaoag to discuss the inspection findings and reinforce the importance of maintaining proper sanitation and pest control measures.
Residents are encouraged to submit formal complaints through their respective barangays to ensure that issues are addressed properly and legally, rather than relying on social media posts. This approach will help ensure that concerns are processed and resolved in an organized manner.