• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria took note of “severe fly infestations affecting residential communities in certain component local government units” in the province and has ordered the establishment of a provincial fly infestation control and environmental health protection program.
In Executive Order 1-2026 dated Jan. 5 and made public yesterday, Sagarbarria said the fly infestations have been attributed to inadequate waste management in agricultural operations, particularly poultry farms.
“Such infestations pose serious public health risks, as flies are vectors of communicable diseases, including Salmonellosis, E. coli infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, and other gastrointestinal illnesses,” the governor said, adding the “fly infestations have caused significant deterioration in the quality of life of affected residents, and adversely impacted local businesses, particularly in the tourism and food service sectors.”
He said there is an urgent need to establish a comprehensive, science-based provincial program to address fly infestation problems while respecting local government autonomy and ensuring uniform application of standards.
Sagarbarria noted that while existing national laws and local ordinances provide adequate legal framework for addressing environmental health hazards, a “coordinated implementation and technical assistance from the provincial government” is also required.
Under the EO, all agricultural operations in Negros Oriental, regardless of size or scale of operation, commercial or backyard, and whether owned by an individual, corporate, cooperative, or government, shall implement proper waste management and immediately collect and properly store animal waste in covered, leak-proof containers;
Regularly clean facilities, properly dispose of dead stock, prevent waste accumulation in open areas, install traps and physical barriers, maintain dry, clean, and sanitary conditions as well as proper ventilation, and ensure documented records on waste management and control activities that will be available to regulatory authorities upon request.
The provincial government will ensure that all agricultural enterprise comply with environmental, sanitation, and biosecurity laws and regulations; and support component cities and municipalities in the exercise of their police power and regulatory functions to enforce environmental health standards.
“Environmental health and sanitation standards shall uniformly (be applied) to all agricultural operators without discrimination…to protect the health and welfare of residents affected by environmental health hazards arising from agricultural and commercial operations,” Sagarbarria stressed.
He ordered the implementation of the Provincial Fly Infestation Control and Environmental Health Protection Program, and the creation of the Provincial Technical Assistance Team.
The team, chaired by the Provincial Health Office, shall conduct assessment of fly infestation situations reported by affected component LGUs; identify sources of infestations, including but not limited to poultry farms, livestock operations, waste disposal sites, and other agricultural or commercial establishments; and provide technical assistance to municipal and city health offices and environment offices in implementing control measures and enforcing environmental health laws, among others. | CGC
