Ben Contreras ALTHOUGH he cannot be held directly responsible, still, he is being blamed and called “Congressman Langaw.” The local government of Opol has reportedly passed a resolution (or was it an ordinance?) to prohibit the issuance of new poultry farm permit within its territorial jurisdiction in view of angry complaints by its residents about the growing population of flies that pester them every time they prepare their meals. I can relate to this. In our little farm in Sitio Bitaugon, Poblacion, Libertad, every time we take our meal or even just a snack, we have to contend with a swarm of flies. It makes eating very hard and unpleasant. Of course, we can attribute it to the poultry farms nearby. So what does the law say about poultry farms? If the population of chickens is below 10,000 heads, one needs no environmental compliance certificate to get a permit. Below that number, it is considered as backyard poultry farm, and it’s easier to get a permit. The congressman finances backyard poultry farms, provide them feeds, chicks and medicines. But he doesn’t help people in keeping the flies away. According to DENR-10 director Edwin Andot, those who are operating backyard poultry farms consist only 10 percent of the population and the rest (90 percent) have to suffer the uncomfortable and unpleasant consequences of having flies in their households. Still, although technically and legally not responsible, Andot feels that the congressman has a moral responsibility to those who have to endure it. In fairness to the congressman, Andot said, the lawmaker is very cooperative when asked to correct what needs to be corrected. Now, back to the poultry farms in Libertad. I wonder how our mayor there is taking this issue. Bitaugon has two problems today: flies and lack of potable water. A P10-million water supply project has been reported approved and the budget available. All it lacks is a bidding. Bitaugon has no clear livelihood for its residents. I would have loved to help in any way. There seems to be a lack of concern from the government regarding their sources of income. Raising farm animals could help but there is no encouragement from government agencies concerned. The area is limey and only certain crops can be planted like tobacco, corn, beans and common household vegetables. A few who depend on their mango trees are disappointed this season. A rainy summer time makes flowering abnormal that resulted in poor harvests. I pity the people there. I employ local folks in building my children’s farmhouse. Sometimes, I buy the children there things and food. I also bought them shoes. That much I can do only. To Libertad Mayor Leonardo Uy Jr., we hope you are aware of the situation in Bitaugon.