Livestock raisers urged to invest in waste management

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday urged poultry and hog raisers to invest in facilities and technology aimed at mitigating the negative effects of commercial livestock production to the environment and public health.

“We call on poultry and piggery owners to put premium on pollution control and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that the wastes generated by their operations will not affect the surrounding environment and the health of the people in their respective communities,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

He made the call amid complaints that the untreated sewage of some poultry and hog raisers is spilling into rivers and other bodies of water - a violation of Republic Act 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004.

“Farm owners should immediately employ corrective measures so as not to aggravate the situation,” Paje said in a statement.

The DENR chief also warned that continued violation of the clean air and water laws may result in permanent closure of erring poultry and piggery farms, a scenario which he does not want to happen.

“We do not want to close poultry and piggery farms because it will create more problems like dwindling supply of eggs, chicken and pork, soaring prices, etc.,” Paje explained.

He clarified that while the DENR recognizes the contribution of the chicken and hog industry to agricultural production and to the Philippine economy, this does not give them license to pollute the water and air.

In 2011, the overall production of hog and chicken amounted to 1.94 million metric tons and 1.41 million metric tons, respectively.