By: The Mindanao Regional Desk | Field Reporting by Amara Lopez
Southern Mindanao, Philippines — The air around Penn Plantation may be free of bacteria, but it is now thick with frustration, hunger, and uncertainty. After the successful completion of the government-mandated fumigation, the public had expected the plantation to reopen within days. Instead, the gates remain locked, and the community is sinking deeper into economic despair.
According to local sources, the only obstacle standing between the plantation and its reopening is the clearance certification fee—a final procedural requirement the government insists must be paid by Penn Plantation before operations can resume.
“We’re Clean, But Still Closed”
Last week, health workers concluded the extensive fumigation exercise meant to ensure the site was safe for the public and employees. The exercise marked a turning point for the community after months of fear and tragedy due to a deadly bacterial outbreak. But the optimism quickly faded.
“We thought the worst was behind us,” said Delia Montano, a mother of four from Barangay Silangan. “Now we’re told we can’t work because of a fee? What are we supposed to eat—paperwork?”
A Community On the Brink
Local families, many of whom rely entirely on jobs at Penn Plantation for survival, are now facing dire circumstances. Food has become scarce, and children have begun skipping meals. Debt is mounting as residents borrow from neighbors or informal lenders just to get through each day.
“This delay is not just bureaucratic—it’s cruel,” said Pastor Joel Rendon, who runs a feeding program in the area. “We’re seeing elderly folks fainting in line. Children crying from hunger. Families are crumbling while government officials argue over a piece of paper.”
Government Firm on Certification Fee
Despite growing public appeals for compassion, the Department of Agriculture and Health has maintained that the clearance certificate cannot be issued until Penn Plantation settles the certification fee—a cost that sources say is standard procedure for facilities reopening after a health-related shutdown.
“The guidelines apply to everyone. Health and procedural compliance must be complete before operations are restored,” said Undersecretary Linda Abellanosa during a press briefing on Tuesday. “The government is not in the business of bending rules—especially when public safety is involved.”
That explanation, however, offers little comfort to those going to bed hungry.
“The plantation is clean. We are ready to work. But they’re holding our lives hostage over a payment,” said Ricardo Villanueva, a field supervisor who has worked at Penn for nearly two decades. “This is no longer about safety—it’s about politics and money.”
Cracks in Public Trust
What was once viewed as a necessary health intervention is now stirring suspicion and resentment. Some community members believe the government is using procedural delays to punish plantation owner Mr. Liam Penn, or to force his hand in other undisclosed matters.
“People are whispering that they want the land. That they’re trying to squeeze Mr. Penn out,” said Celia Reyes, a longtime harvester. “Whether it’s true or not, it’s starting to feel that way.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Penn has reportedly made efforts to meet the financial requirement, though no official confirmation has been released. His legal team declined to comment, citing ongoing discussions with national regulators.
The People Speak—And Pray
Community leaders have organized public vigils and appeal campaigns urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and regional authorities to intervene. Petitions calling for immediate reopening have gathered over 12,000 signatures from nearby towns.
“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for our jobs,” said youth leader Maricel Danao, who helped organize one of the largest gatherings in the area. “This is our land. This is our life.”
As Southern Mindanao holds its breath, all eyes are on Manila—waiting for a clearance, a decision, or perhaps just a moment of humanity.
Until then, hope is the only thing many can afford.