Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT XII
SOCCSKSARGEN Region

March 12, 2019

Dear Mr. Jose C. Navio Sr.,

Greetings of Peace!

This is with regard to your letter concerning the ranch of Hon. Horacio Palma
“Toto Suansing and its possible health hazards.

All types of fecal materials have certain health hazards both for the people and the
environment. This is the reason why we have P.D. 856 or the Sanitation Code of the
Philippines and its IRR to regulate the safe disposal and management of waste materials.

Concerning your problem does it fall under the classification of P.D. 856 on Chapter
XIX, Section 8.6.7, Animals Used for Commercial Purposes? Then it needs to meet these
criteria in order to prevent hazard to human population:

a. Establishment engaged in livestock industry shall be located only in places or areas

designated under existing zoning laws and local ordinances. Where no zoning law
or ordinance exist the local health officer shall determine the suitability of the
location.

b. Livestock stockades (any land, building or structure used for keeping, stabling,
feeding, watering grooming, shoeing, treatment of an animal or any other
veterinary purpose.) shall not be located within twenty-five (25) meters from any
ground and surface drinking water sources nor shall it be near flood-prone areas
or in depressions where the heavy water run-off may occur.

c. There shall be no livestock stockade intended for commercial purposes which

shall be constructed, operated and maintained at a point 100 meters (328 feet)
from any place of human habitation.

d. There shall be a buffer zone of at least five (5) meters in width around the
boundaries of the lot and if possible it shall be planted with trees or shrubs.

e. The location of any livestock industry shall be at least 500 meters away from
national roads and highways.

f. Such establishment shall be projected that no future urban expansion or

development shall take place in the area where the establishment is to be located
within (5) years.

g. Stables, barns, loafing or loitering area and other enclosure where animals are
raised or kept shall be constructed of such material and in such a manner that it
can be kept reasonable clean and sanitary at all times.

h. Satisfactory space requirement in each domestic animal stockade shall be observed

to prevent overcrowding. Space requirements for cattle as noted: Provide a
minimum loafing area of 500 to 800 square meter per 50 cattle heads.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health
CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT XII
SOCCSKSARGEN Region

If ever the said ranch is within the criteria, you can complain to your
district/municipal health office to be inspected by the sanitary inspector.

We really hope that this answers your questions concerning this matter and we
hope that it can be resolve amicably.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

ARISTIDES CONCEPCION TAN, MD, MPH, CESO III

Director IV