The City Environment and Parks Management Office issued a fresh warning against residents who continue to defy laws prohibiting hog-raising in the city.
Cepmo head Rhenan Diwas said piggeries are not allowed in highly urbanized cities like Baguio as per the Environment Code, Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act, Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Water Act, and Republic Act 9904 or the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Associations.
Sanctions include demolition of pigpens, confiscation of hogs, and filing of criminal charges.
He said the laws prohibit hog raising in the city due to the perilous impact to river quality of direct discharge of wastewater, especially from the operation of piggeries within river easements.
He instead encouraged those who still engage in backyard hog-raising to avail of the alternative livelihood programs being implemented by the city government through the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office and other line agencies.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said these were pursued for residents whose income sources were affected due to the implementation of the closure of piggeries in 2020.
The programs include rabbitry, livestock farming, hydroponics, and vegetable farming.
Before the city implemented the total closure of piggeries in 2020, the city’s piggery population was more than 700. The number dwindled to more than 200 towards the deadline set by the city in January 2020. However, the business again thrived at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
