Locals Welcome Restart with Relief and Cautious Optimism; Mr. Liam Penn Vows Completion Before Planting Begins
By: Nanette Guadalquiver – PNA
Southern Mindanao, Philippines — After weeks of uncertainty and rising fear, the long-delayed fumigation exercise at Penn Plantation officially resumed today, bringing renewed hope to communities that have lived under the threat of a second bacterial outbreak.
The plantation, which was at the center of a deadly bacterial crisis last year following catastrophic flooding, has been under strict lockdown and subject to government decontamination orders. The halt in fumigation had drawn widespread concern across Southern Mindanao—particularly as the rains have returned, marking the start of both the planting season and flood season.
Today, however, brought a sight many had been waiting for: health workers in protective suits re-entering the plantation grounds, equipped with fumigation systems and testing equipment, marking the official recommencement of the final decontamination phase.
A Community Holds Its Breath—Then Exhales
Locals watched as health officials and environmental response teams, coordinated by the Department of Health (DOH)and local disaster risk units, began their operation early this morning. For many residents, it was a moment of quiet relief—and a sign that the worst may finally be behind them.
“This is what we’ve been praying for,” said Maricel Dela Rosa, a mother of three from Barangay Lanuza, which borders the plantation. “We can’t afford another tragedy. The memory of those we lost is still fresh. But now, we can breathe a little easier.”
Her sentiments echo those of thousands who live in nearby villages that depend on the plantation not just for livelihood, but also for food security.
Mr. Liam Penn Reaffirms Commitment to Safety and Reopening
The resumption confirms the commitment previously made by Mr. Liam Penn Hall, owner of Penn Plantation, who had vowed to resume and complete the fumigation process in line with government standards.
In a short public statement today, Mr. Penn said:
“I promised our people that we would do this right. Today is the beginning of that promise fulfilled. We will finish the fumigation in full accordance with safety protocols and open our gates only when every life on this plantation is safe—from workers to neighboring families. We will meet the timeline set for the planting season.”
Penn, who had previously faced criticism over delays caused by funding issues, had remained at the plantation throughout the crisis and was praised by many for not abandoning his post, even when the threat of bacterial resurgence loomed.
A Stark Reminder of the Past
The timing could not be more critical. The start of the rainy season is historically the most vulnerable period for agricultural communities in Southern Mindanao. Last year’s floods swept deadly bacteria into the water systems, leading to a public health crisis that claimed dozens of lives, particularly among children and the elderly. It took weeks of emergency vaccinations and intense lockdown to bring the spread under control.
Today, the DOH issued a statement reminding communities of the need for continued hygiene, monitoring, and cooperation during the ongoing fumigation effort.
“Fumigation is just one component. We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue boiling drinking water and reporting any symptoms of infection,” said Dr. Lito Geronimo, the lead physician overseeing the health team on the plantation.
Public Reaction: Joy, Caution, and the Return of Hope
With the health teams now visibly back at work and signs of organized logistics across the plantation, the public response has been largely positive.
“We can start preparing for planting now,” said Benito Ramirez, a veteran plantation worker. “For many of us, this is the only job we’ve known. If the plantation reopens soon, our families will have food on the table again.”
“This isn’t just about crops—it’s about eradicating what killed our neighbors,” added Alicia Morales, a nurse-turned-volunteer who lost her aunt to last year’s outbreak. “I’m happy. But I’ll be happier when the final fumigation report says it’s all clear.”
Indeed, many residents continue to express measured optimism, urging authorities to not rush the process but to complete it with care.
A Race Against Time—and Weather
As storm systems begin to form across the Pacific, weather forecasters have warned of a particularly active rainy season this year. Local leaders are urging the fumigation team to work quickly but cautiously, balancing the urgency of the season with the need for thorough safety.
“This is not just about the plantation. This is about every village it touches,” said Mayor Junel Soriano of General Santos. “We lost too many people last year. We can’t afford another mistake. But today—today feels like a good start.”
As the spray teams move across the fields, the people of Southern Mindanao are watching—and waiting—not just for a plantation to reopen, but for a chapter of grief and anxiety to finally close.