Sta Ignacia, Tarlac – Is Mayor Nora Modomo of Santa Ignacia against poultry and piggery as perceived?
In a meeting that was called by the Mayor on October 24, she made it clear to the poultry and piggery owners in the municipality that personally, she “does not encourage” entry of newcomers, but qualified this by saying newcomers and existing ones must comply with laws, local ordinances, rules and regulations governing the industry.
The mayor furthered that in order to avoid non-renewal of business permits for the year 2020, she stressed the need for full and strict compliance with the LGU requirements as she already directed all offices concerned not to process business permits of the non-compliant businesses. She added that she called the meeting this early so that the concerned businesses will have time to prepare and fix up their deficiencies before the renewal season on January next year.
During the meeting, all the local officials concerned explained their offices’ requirements.
Municipal Assessor Bonerson Ganal emphasized the need to declare all improvements and equipment installed in the farms so as to avoid penalties and sanctions. He said that there are farms who just add buildings and install equipment without getting the necessary permits and without declaring them, to the detriment of the municipality. The municipality will no longer tolerate such practice, he stressed.
Mina Martin of Municipal Planning also stressed that the municipality’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) that was approved in 2017 is already being fully implemented. This municipal CLUP identified only 4 barangays where poultry and piggery are allowed. These barangays are: Santa Ines East, Santa Ines Centro, Santa Ines West, and Padapada. Thus she said those poultries and piggeries that are not in the zoned areas for such purpose were given 10-year phase-out period, which means within 10 years from receipt of notice, they should transfer to areas with proper zoning or close down their operations.
Compliance with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig was also mentioned. The mayor gave strict instructions to the Permits and Licensing office not to accept “to follow” excuses of business owners. She said the 3 agencies will have booths at the municipal building on January 8 and 9, 2019 to make it easier for businesses to secure clearances.
Councilor Freddie Bagay urged the growers to be transparent and be responsible in their declarations and the conduct of their business.
Santa Ignacia is second in the province (next to Concepcion) in terms of poultry and piggery industry.
Problems with industry were also brought up like foul smell from piggery and flies from poultry. The industry players said they are and will continue to resolve the said issues.
The poultry and piggery operators in the municipality thanked the mayor for meeting them early, and laying down her cards. This, in a way gave them a sense of relief that for as long as they comply with rules and regulations, that they don’t have to worry about “closure” as other industry players experienced in other areas. They also assured the mayor of full cooperation./BDF