By: Joyce Ann Rocamora – PNA
Southern Mindanao, Philippines – The long-awaited fumigation exercise at Penn Plantation is now in its final phase, bringing the plantation closer to full operational reopening. This marks the final step in a months-long effort to eradicate the bacterial outbreak that had devastated the area, leading to fatalities and forcing the government to impose a strict lockdown on the plantation.
With the fumigation nearing completion, there is growing anticipation among workers, locals, and business stakeholders who have been stranded inside the estate. As the final assessments are being conducted, the reopening of Penn Plantation is expected in the coming days, allowing plantation owner Mr. Liam Penn Hall, the workers, and local residents to finally leave the sealed-off premises after enduring an extended period of containment.
The Final Stages of Fumigation
Health and agricultural safety teams, working alongside environmental specialists, have been conducting the last rounds of sterilization and decontamination of the plantation’s fields, processing areas, and residential quarters. The objective is to ensure that all traces of the harmful bacteria that had spread through the plantation are fully eliminatedbefore resuming any agricultural activity.
According to Dr. Elena Cruz, a lead environmental specialist overseeing the operation, the final clearance inspection is expected within the week.
“We are in the final stages of disinfection, and preliminary reports indicate that the sterilization has been effective. If all goes well with the final safety tests, the plantation will be declared safe for reopening.”
The team has also been conducting water and soil safety tests, as experts warn that residual bacterial contamination in irrigation systems or soil layers could lead to a resurgence of infections.
Eager Anticipation as Locals Prepare to Leave
For the hundreds of workers, managers, and local residents who have been trapped inside the plantation since the lockdown, the news of an impending reopening has sparked a wave of relief and celebration.
Among them is Jose Ramirez, a veteran plantation supervisor, who described the ordeal of being unable to leave for weeks:
“This has been the hardest period of our lives. Not only did we fear for our health, but we also had no certainty about when we would see our families outside again. Now that we are nearing the end, we can finally breathe again.”
For many, including families with young children, the lifting of restrictions will allow them to reunite with loved ones outside the plantation gates.
Mr. Liam Penn Hall’s Role in the Recovery
Mr. Liam Penn Hall, the owner of Penn Plantation, has been at the forefront of the recovery efforts, ensuring that the fumigation process remained on track despite earlier financial hurdles that briefly stalled the operation.
Mr. Hall, who had personally undergone the vaccine alongside his workers, remained within the plantation for the entire duration of the crisis, not allowed to leave until the health of his employees and the safety of the plantation was fully secured.
In a statement to workers and local officials, he expressed his deep gratitude for their patience and resilience:
“This has been an unimaginable challenge for all of us, but we have fought through it together. The health and well-being of my workers and the community have always been my top priority. Now, as we near the end of this ordeal, I look forward to seeing the plantation restored and our people moving forward with renewed strength.”
With the final clearance expected soon, Mr. Hall and all other locals on the plantation will finally be allowed to leave, as he will no longer be considered a flight or public health risk.
Government Officials Set to Inspect the Plantation Before Reopening
Before the official reopening, government health officials are scheduled to conduct a final inspection of the fumigation sites and processing facilities.
Health Minister Dr. Elena Cruz confirmed that a multi-agency task force will assess the plantation’s readiness for full operations:
“This is not just about reopening a plantation—it’s about ensuring the long-term safety of the entire region. We are working closely with environmental experts and agricultural officials to make sure this never happens again.”
A Community on the Brink of Recovery
As the reopening of Penn Plantation nears, the sense of relief is tangible among its workers and surrounding communities, many of whom rely on the plantation for their livelihood.
Farmers and production staff are already preparing for the gradual resumption of agricultural operations, with government agricultural agencies offering support to ensure that the plantation can return to full production capacity as soon as possible.
For the hundreds of workers and Mr. Hall himself, the lifting of restrictions will symbolize not just the end of a crisis, but the beginning of a new chapter.
PNA will continue to provide updates on the official reopening date and the final clearance results as Penn Plantation takes its final steps toward full recovery.