Murcia, Negros Occidental— Farmers and residents from Barangays Talotog, Cansilayan, and Damsite voiced strong opposition to the proposed expansion of poultry operator Ta-ala Farms Inc. during a public hearing held today.

​Ta-ala Farms Inc. is seeking to expand its poultry operation from 14 hectares to 125 hectares, which would boost its production capacity from 250,000 to 950,000 heads.

​However, local agricultural workers and residents raised severe concerns regarding land rights, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance.

​During the hearing, Mark Oquina, chairperson of the Michaela Farmers and Farmworkers Association, accused Ta-ala Farms Inc. of forcibly taking farmlands and destroying crops belonging to association members on January 12, 2026.

​According to Oquina, the company utilized armed guards and bulldozers to seize the land without legal authority, directly violating the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

​The disputed area includes a 22-hectare landholding formerly owned by the Makilan Agricultural Development Corporation. The property was issued a Notice of Coverage (NOC) by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in 2008, with identified beneficiaries having already taken their oaths before a local judge.

​Oquina emphasized that Ta-ala Farms Inc. plans to rezone and convert 111 hectares for its expansion project without securing the required DAR conversion permit.

​In addition to land tenure issues, nearby residents raised complaints regarding ongoing air and water pollution generated by the existing poultry facilities. Community members expressed fear that quadrupling the farm’s capacity will further degrade local environmental conditions and public health.

​Local authorities and representatives from Ta-ala Farms Inc. have yet to issue a full response to the specific allegations raised during the public hearing.###