Two city barangays under close watch
ILOILO CITY - Two barangays in the city of Iloilo believed to be common destinations of migratory birds are under close watch in the city government's campaign against the dreaded avian flu.
Mayor Jerry Treñas identified these barangays as Barangay Airport-Navais, Mandurriao and Barangay Hinactacan, Lapaz. He said marsh lands in this areas could be inhabited by migratory birds.
He said large areas of Airport-Navais and Hinactacan are consist of fishponds and the presence of mangroves makes the area favorable site for the migratory birds to have a short respite.
As this developed, Treñas has ordered City Health Officer Dr. Urminico Baronda to conduct massive information campaign in the two barangays. He warned residents to avoid contact with migratory birds.
He also urged residents living in said barangays to put their fowls such as chickens, ducks and turkey in cages.
This step should be undertaken not to create fear among the people but more of a precautionary measure on the part of the city government, said Treñas.
Aside from the City Health Office, the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and City Treasurers Office are also tapped to help in the campaign against bird flu. The CAO has contacts with the association of poultry growers in the city while the CTO is involve in markets.
The CTO will take charge on the information campaign in the different markets in the city. Chicken and other poultry products are sold in the market. The information campaign will create awareness among the consumers or buyers of poultry products.
The chief executive said there is also no cause for alarm on the presence of delegates from other countries in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games since bird flu does not transfer from human to human.