LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Several villages in Guinobatan, Albay are suffering from fly infestation, prompting the municipal government and the environment bureau to conduct an investigation as this could threaten the town’s “Longganiza Festival.”
Guinobatan is celebrating the festival from Aug. 1 to 16.
Villagers blame the infestation to spoiled feeds and litter from a poultry farm in Barangay Lower Binagsacan. The infestation has spread to adjacent villages such as the Upper Binagsacan, Morera, Banaw, Inascan, and Lomacao.
Reports said some villagers use mosquito nets to ward off the flies.
Residents are asking authorities to address the problem immediately, as flies are carriers of diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery.
Guinobatan Mayor Gemma Ann Ongjoco has ordered the poultry farm to comply with the town’s sanitation standards or face closure.
Poultry personnel had reportedly admitted that the farm had spent a large sum to contain the infestation.