LOPEZ JAENA, Misamis Occidental — Growing concerns over a persistent fly infestation in several upland barangays of Lopez Jaena have prompted residents to publicly appeal for government intervention, citing worsening sanitation conditions and potential health risks affecting their communities.
The issue gained wider attention after resident Maryven Gimoros published an open letter addressed to officials of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lopez Jaena and the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, urging authorities to take immediate action to address what she described as a months-long problem affecting families in the municipality’s upland areas.
In her letter, Gimoros emphasized that the appeal was not intended to criticize local officials but to bring attention to an issue that she said has significantly affected the daily lives of residents.
According to the letter, the number of flies in the upland barangays has steadily increased over the past several months, with insects reportedly invading homes and making even routine activities, such as eating meals, increasingly difficult.
Residents said flies are “almost everywhere,” frequently swarming food inside households and creating an environment they described as both unpleasant and unsanitary.
Beyond the inconvenience, the letter stressed that the infestation poses a potential public health concern, noting that flies are known carriers of bacteria and other disease-causing organisms that may increase the risk of illnesses, particularly among children, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals.
The residents appealed to both municipal and provincial authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation and determine the root causes of the infestation. They also called for inspections of businesses and establishments operating in the upland areas to ensure compliance with sanitation, waste management, and environmental health regulations.
“We sincerely hope that this concern will not be overlooked simply because it may not be directly experienced by everyone,” the letter stated, adding that many families have been living with the problem for months and are seeking government intervention before it develops into a more serious public health issue.
The open letter concluded by expressing appreciation for the efforts of local officials while urging them to give the matter the attention it deserves.
LGU Responds, Orders Immediate Inspection
Following the circulation of the residents’ appeal, Lopez Jaena Mayor Pinky Gutierrez issued an official statement acknowledging the complaints and assuring the public that the municipal government has already been taking steps to address the infestation.
Mayor Gutierrez said the LGU has been conducting continuous monitoring and coordinating with concerned government offices regarding the situation in the affected upland barangays.
According to the mayor, an initial assessment has already identified one possible source that could be contributing to the proliferation of flies.
She also disclosed that the municipal government had received reports regarding a possible area with exposed or improperly managed waste, which could be worsening the infestation.
Gutierrez said she has instructed the Rural Health Unit (RHU) to immediately inspect the reported area to determine whether it is contributing to the growing fly population.
In addition, the mayor directed concerned municipal departments to conduct a thorough inspection of establishments operating within the affected areas to verify compliance with environmental and sanitation laws.
“If any violations are found, appropriate action will be taken,” Gutierrez said.
She thanked residents for continuing to report community concerns, emphasizing that public feedback enables the local government to respond more effectively.
“We remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of our constituents through prompt action and coordinated efforts,” the mayor said.
Health and Environmental Concerns
While authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the infestation, public health experts generally recognize that unusually large fly populations are often associated with improperly managed waste, animal manure, decomposing organic materials, or poor sanitation conditions.
Local officials have not yet confirmed whether any specific establishment or facility is responsible for the reported increase in flies, and inspections remain ongoing.
As of this writing, the municipal government has not announced the results of the RHU inspection or identified any violations related to the reported infestation.
Residents are now awaiting the outcome of the LGU’s investigation and any corresponding measures aimed at eliminating the source of the infestation and preventing further public health risks in the affected communities.