‘NAPAKARAMING LANGAW”: Residents in Roma Sur, Enrile alarmed as swarms of flies invade homes near poultry farm

ROMA SUR, Enrile, Cagayan – Swarms of flies reportedly gathering and landing inside homes have alarmed residents of Barangay Roma Sur, prompting barangay officials to seek an immediate investigation into a suspected infestation near a poultry farm.

In a public appeal posted on the Barangay Roma Sur Updates Facebook page on October 21, barangay officials described the growing number of flies as a threat to household sanitation and the health of families in the community.

“Nakababahala na ang napakaraming langaw na nakikita sa aming lugar… napakarami nilang dumadapo at naiipon. Hindi lamang ito abala kundi maaari ring magdulot ng panganib sa kalinisan ng aming mga tahanan at sa kalusugan ng aming mga pamilya,” the appeal stated.

The barangay called on the Municipal Health Office and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office to conduct an immediate inspection, identify the source of the flies, and require appropriate sanitation and fly-control measures.

Officials specifically asked authorities to inspect a nearby poultry farm to determine whether it was contributing to the infestation and whether any sanitation or environmental regulations had been violated.

However, the barangay’s appeal did not establish that the poultry farm was responsible for the reported problem.

Flies can breed in accumulated animal manure, wet poultry litter, rotting food and other decomposing organic waste. They can also carry disease-causing microorganisms from contaminated materials to food, utensils and food-preparation surfaces, raising concerns about possible food contamination.

The barangay urged authorities to impose appropriate penalties or consider suspending or closing the poultry facility, as allowed by law, if an investigation confirms its responsibility and establishes violations that warrant such action.

It clarified that the appeal was not intended to undermine anyone’s livelihood but to protect residents’ right to a clean and safe environment.

“Karapatan din naming magkaroon ng malinis at ligtas na komunidad. Hindi dapat balewalain ang aming hinaing,” the post stated.

As of the information provided in the barangay’s appeal, no official finding had identified the source of the flies. An inspection is needed to determine the cause of the infestation and the appropriate measures to address it.