Garin backs Tigbauan village officials in poultry dispute

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo First District Rep. Janette Garin has backed officials and residents of Barangay Linobayan in Tigbauan amid a legal dispute arising from complaints against a poultry farm in neighboring Barangay Sipitan.

The controversy involves GT Poultry Farm, which Garin identified as being owned by Dr. Maricor Borra.

Residents and barangay officials complained in 2025 about foul odors and flies they allegedly associated with the poultry operation.

Barangay officials brought the complaints to the Tigbauan municipal government.

The municipal government later inspected the farm and reportedly found the odor to be “minimal.”

The inspection did not resolve the concerns of residents and barangay officials.

A civil case was later filed against some Linobayan barangay officials and residents.

The case seeks an injunction and damages and includes an application for a writ of preliminary prohibitory injunction.

The case and unresolved complaints prompted all nine Linobayan barangay officials, led by Barangay Captain Rene Taño, to submit irrevocable resignations to Tigbauan Mayor Virgilio “Nene” Teruel on Aug. 26.

Their resignations are scheduled to take effect Sept. 10.

Under Section 82 of the Local Government Code, resignations of barangay officials take effect upon acceptance by the city or municipal mayor.

Taño said the resignations were an act of protest.

Garin questioned the decision to take the dispute to court.

She said the complaints could have been addressed through dialogue and measures to reduce the farm’s effects on nearby households.

“I hope I am wrong. Apparently, it appears to us that instead of addressing the complaints, the barangay officials are the ones being harassed,” Garin said in a Facebook Live statement Aug. 28.

Garin suggested properly cleaning chicken manure and installing vents that would direct odors upward rather than toward nearby homes.

“The barangay is only asking that the chicken waste be properly cleaned and that vents be installed so the odor does not go directly into the homes but is instead directed upward. Why file a case?” she said.

Garin recalled that communication among the farm operator, barangay officials and residents had previously been more open.

She said the situation changed after the farm came under new ownership and management.

Garin said the Environmental Management Bureau informed her after an inspection that the farm still had compliance requirements, including a discharge permit and a permit to operate.

Republic Act No. 9275 requires operators of facilities that discharge regulated wastewater to secure a discharge permit.

EMB rules also require covered stationary air pollution sources to obtain permits to operate.

EMB Region 6 posted a notice for public scoping June 3, 2026, for a proposed expansion of GT Poultry Farm in Barangay Sipitan.

Teruel issued a suspension order against the poultry farm June 19, 2026.

The suspension was lifted several days later after the farm owner requested permission to proceed with one growing cycle, citing chicks that had already been purchased.

Garin said she personally discussed the dispute with Teruel.

She appealed to the municipal government not to allow the farm to continue operating until it completes its compliance requirements and addresses residents’ concerns.

Garin also appealed to the farm owner to extend the same “humanitarian consideration” to residents who had complained about the poultry operation.

“We welcome investors, but it is not good to scare [concerned residents] through legal action. I am hoping the issue could be resolved,” Garin said.