The municipal government of Asturias, Cebu has taken decisive action against an industrial poultry farm, issuing a strict "no chick-in" order due to a severe fly infestation that has plagued nearby residential areas. Mayor Andrew "Dongkoy" Dumdum and local regulators imposed the temporary ban, halting the farm's production cycle until it upgrades its sanitation systems to address the environmental issue.
Growing Sanitation Crackdown
This sanction marks the third disciplinary measure against a poultry farm in Asturias this year, as local authorities intensify enforcement against livestock operations causing repeated sanitation and public health problems. Dolphy Juntong, vice chairman of the Asturias Task Force Langaw, explained that repeated inspections, warnings, and public hearings failed to resolve the infestation. "We conducted a series of inspections and even held public hearings, but the flies persisted," Juntong said in an interview on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Complaints from residents have been relentless, particularly on social media, where they continue to voice concerns about their deteriorating living conditions caused by the flies.
Balancing Public Health and Economy
The "no chick-in" order is a regulatory tool designed to halt the production cycle by banning the introduction of new day-old chicks. This allows the farm to focus entirely on upgrading waste management and sanitation systems before resuming operations. Officials emphasized that the penalty aims to force compliance rather than permanently shut down businesses, as poultry farms significantly contribute to the local economy. Asturias currently hosts 23 active industrial poultry farms, with three more under construction, transforming the town into a first-class municipality with a strong tax base.
However, local officials made it clear that community health takes precedence. "We are not against farms; in fact, they are our partners," Juntong stated. "But if people's health is affected, we will not hesitate to take action."
Working Toward Compliance
Mayor Dumdum has instructed the task force to actively assist poultry operators in meeting environmental standards. "The Mayor said we should help poultry farms so they can comply," Juntong added. The future of the penalized farm depends on how quickly it cleans up its operations. Juntong concluded with a clear warning: "As long as they comply, we will lift the order. But if pollution continues, they will not be allowed to bring in new chicks."
