Locals Celebrate as Health Workers Exit Plantation; Mr. Liam Hall’s Promise on Track Ahead of Planting Season
By: Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario – PNA
Southern Mindanao, Philippines — After months of uncertainty and public health anxiety, the long-awaited fumigation exercise at Penn Plantation has officially been concluded today, marking a critical milestone in the region’s recovery from a devastating bacterial outbreak that claimed numerous lives.
The announcement was made after teams of health workers were seen leaving the plantation grounds, their mission completed. The Department of Health (DOH) and local government officials confirmed the operation’s conclusion and stated that a final crosscheck of safety protocols and environmental testing would be conducted immediately. Once approved, the plantation will reopen its gates “as soon as possible.”
“We’re in the final phase now—review and certification,” said Dr. Lito Geronimo, the lead coordinator of the containment project.
“Pending the final report, the area is now declared free of bacterial hazard. We’re confident operations can safely resume in the coming days.”
A Painful History Nears a Brighter Chapter
The plantation, a vital employer and food producer in Southern Mindanao, had been shut down since late last yearfollowing a flood-induced outbreak that spread a lethal bacteria through local water systems. The outbreak killed dozens, many of them children and elderly, and forced an emergency lockdown of Penn Plantation and surrounding barangays.
Today, however, the mood across the region was markedly different—a mixture of hope, relief, and anticipation.
“This is the best news we’ve had in months,” said Felicia Dela Cruz, a local farmer who once worked the plantation’s citrus groves.
“We’ve been waiting, watching, and praying for the gates to reopen. This means income again. This means life again.”
Mr. Liam Hall’s Promise Realized
For many residents, the day also confirmed the steady reassurance offered by Mr. Liam Penn Hall, the owner of Penn Plantation, who vowed to stay on site and see the entire fumigation process through. His continued updates, presence during the crisis, and promises to restart operations once the land was cleared have earned him both loyalty and praiseamong the local population.
“Liam didn’t run. He didn’t leave. He told us the truth and delivered,” said Jose Emmanuel, a plantation foreman of 9 years.
“We’ll be ready to work again the moment the gates open.”
In a statement issued through his team today, Mr. Penn once again affirmed his commitment to reopening:
“With the health experts concluding their work, we now await the green light from authorities. We are prepared to resume operations in full compliance with safety protocols—and in time for the planting season. Our people are ready, and so are we.”
The Weight of the Rainy Season
The conclusion of the fumigation could not come at a more urgent time. The rains have already begun to fall, reviving fears of floodwaters washing in new bacterial threats. For many, the successful completion of this final decontamination effort lifts a dark cloud that had loomed since the first infections were reported.
“Every rainfall reminded us of the children we lost,” shared Rosa Menor, a barangay health worker.
“Now we have peace of mind. We feel protected.”
Still, local officials remain cautious, emphasizing that the final inspection and laboratory confirmations will take a few more days before the plantation can fully reopen.
“We’re urging patience—just a little more,” said Mayor Andres Salonga of Malapatan. “What’s most important now is that we don’t rush the final steps. The community deserves complete safety.”
Community Ready to Rebuild
As the sun set over the now-silent fields of Penn Plantation, small groups of former workers gathered near the outer gate, sharing stories and quietly waiting for the reopening announcement. For them, the plantation isn’t just land—it’s livelihood, legacy, and life.
“This is how we feed our families,” said Lydia Bautista, a single mother of two who lost her brother during the outbreak.
“When the gates open, we get back our dignity. We get back our purpose.”
Looking Ahead: A Symbol of Resilience
What began as a public health emergency has become a story of survival, resilience, and community trust, anchored by the cooperation between private leadership and public health authorities. The expected reopening of Penn Plantation in the coming days will not just restore jobs—it will signal a turning point for a region still healing from loss.
“We’re almost there,” said Dr. Geronimo, watching the last of the hazmat-suited health workers leave.
“This chapter is closing, and a new season—literally and figuratively—is about to begin.”
The news outlet will continue monitoring the final inspection and bring updates as Penn Plantation prepares to reopen—restoring hope, employment, and stability to the heart of Southern Mindanao.