• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Health Office has been asked to look into the petition of several residents of Barangay Cabug, who are opposing the proposed expansion of a poultry farm near their residential area and community water tank.
Councilor Claudio Jesus “Kalaw” Puentevella pushed a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod April 2, asking the CHO to check into the petition for appropriate action, considering that the concern is about health and sanitation.
More than 50 residents of Purok Torrecampo in the barangay, as well as the Torrecampo Communal Water System committee officials, wrote to Cabug punong barangay Jennifer Pintucan, copy furnished the SP, opposing the planned poultry farm expansion to accommodate 15,000 chicken heads near their area, saying it “poses severe risks to public health, sanitation, environmental safety, and overall quality of life in our community.”
The increased volume of poultry waste will lead to higher levels of ammonia and other airborne pollutants, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, avian flu, and other health complications for residents, the signatories said.
“With 15,000 chickens, the odor from manure and poultry operations will become unbearable, drastically reducing the livability of our community,” the petitioners said, adding the “expansion will likely worsen existing issues with flies, rodents, and insects, increasing the risk of disease transmission and unsanitary conditions.”
They added that larger poultry operation will generate more waste runoff, increasing the threat of contamination to the community water tank and natural water sources. “Expanding in close proximity to residential homes and a crucial water source may violate zoning laws and environmental regulations set” by the Bacolod City government.
Mary Jean Obeso, chairperson of the Torrecampo Communal Water System, said that while they understand that Barangay Cabug needs to boost its economy through the establishment of businesses within its jurisdiction, this “should not be at the expense of the residents by endangering our lives thru air pollution and water contamination.”
The petitioners also claimed that the public hearing held March 20, 2025 was not attended by even 50 percent of the affected residents, and should be declared null and void.
They asked the barangay to halt the proposed expansion and conduct a thorough review of the poultry farm’s compliance with zoning, health, and environmental regulations. | CGC
