Sacks of waste lured flies to Asturias

CEBU, Philippines - Sacks of poultry waste stacked along the roads in Asturias town were the ones identified to have attracted flies to the area, the Provincial Health Office said yesterday.

PHO chief Cynthia Genosolango told The Freeman that the sacks of poultry were given to farmers to be used as fertilizer but were just left along the roads. These eventually became breeding grounds for flies.

She said Asturias Mayor Allan Adlawan already directed the farmers to dispose of the sacks.

“Giingnan sila ni Mayor nga panguhaon gyod balik ‘nang mga sinako diha or ipagamit gyod dayon,” Genosolango said in an interview.

Yesterday, a team from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit conducted misting operations in areas infested by the flies, including Barangays Agtugok, Bago, Bago Old, Langub, Looc, Lunas, and Poblacion.

Residents have aired their concerns regarding the infestation, saying several have gone ill because of the presence of the flies.

Genosolango said investigation is ongoing to verify the claim and that a sanitary officer has been sent to inspect the area.

Swarms of flies have pestered the barangays mentioned, making their presence felt on the grass, on tables and chairs, and even on leaves and branches of trees.

To protect their homes from the flies, residents there were forced to buy insect killers and mosquito nets to cover their windows and doors. Some even bought fine nets to cover the shelters where farm animals are housed.  — /JMO (FREEMAN)