Quirino Halts Piggery Operations Following Environmental
and Regulatory Concerns
The provincial government of Quirino has ordered the
suspension of a piggery's operations in the municipality after authorities
found alleged violations involving environmental standards and mandatory
business requirements.
The enforcement action followed complaints from residents of
Barangay Villa Hermoza Sur, who raised concerns about persistent foul odors
coming from Golda Farm. Villagers also alleged that garbage generated by the
facility was not being disposed of properly, creating sanitation issues that
affected the surrounding community.
Beyond the environmental complaints, local officials
disclosed that the piggery had allegedly been operating since 2012 without
securing several essential permits, including business, sanitation, and zoning
clearances. These permits are fundamental safeguards that allow local
governments to verify whether commercial operations comply with health, safety,
and land use regulations before they are allowed to continue operating.
The case also revived concerns over an earlier government
directive. According to anti-corruption watchdog IpaBitag Mo Inc., a resolution
approved in 2023 calling for the relocation of the farm has yet to be
implemented. The organization further alleged that the operator continued its
activities using an Environmental Compliance Certificate issued in 2017 despite
the unresolved issues.
Environmental regulations function much like routine
maintenance for critical infrastructure. When compliance measures are ignored
or delayed, the resulting problems can gradually affect public health, nearby
communities, and the surrounding environment. Proper waste management, legal
permits, and adherence to zoning rules work together to minimize those risks
and ensure responsible agricultural operations.
In response to the suspension order, the owner of Golda Farm
committed to addressing the deficiencies identified by authorities. She assured
officials that all necessary permits and regulatory clearances would be secured
and that the farm's waste management system would be upgraded before applying
to resume operations.
Provincial authorities are expected to evaluate the farm's compliance with all applicable requirements before considering any request to lift the suspension.
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