CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan –- Agriculture and provincial officials have cited the importance of the implementation of animal biosecurity measures to prevent diseases that affect the industry.
In a forum dubbed as “Usapang Biosecurity: Pangangalaga sa Industriya ng Panghahayupan” held at the Hiyas Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) brought in experts to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the stakeholders in the animal industry on the need to practice biosecurity measures.
“We do believe that it is not only the food security that is at stake here but also the primary livelihood that sustain the economic growth of the province,” Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said.
DA Undersecretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan, who served as guest of honor in the event, underscored the important the role of Bulacan in the economy, particularly in the livestock industry.
“There are more than 10 million people who will get hungry in case of the occurrence of problem in the food production here in Bulacan. But, there are measures that we can apply such as drills on strict implementation of biosecurity measures,” Cayanan said.
He also advised the attendees to take the opportunity to learn but clarified that the mere purpose of the forum is not only to learn but also to impart whatever they learned.
Dr. Ronny Domingo, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), shared his knowledge about the biosecurity measures; epidemics that hit the country, things to do to avoid it, the role of government when it comes to such situation, and the causes of diseases of the animals.
Domingo said that the forum is essential to Bulakenyos in giving a wider perspective to the importance of appropriate biosecurity in every farmhouse especially now that threats such as climate change, mass movement, intensified animal production and microbial mutations are prominently observed.
Dr. Anthony Bucad from the Animal Health and Welfare Division of BAI, on the other hand, disclosed the requirements for accreditation and transport of animals in order to prevent the spread of diseases.
Meanwhile, Ramil Reyes, a barangay councilor in San Gabriel, City of Malolos, shared his thoughts about the forum and said, “it is nice to listen to forum like this because we learn on how to prevent the entry of animal virus into our province.”
Also present during the dialogue were Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando, city/municipal mayors and vice mayors, barangay captains and city/municipal agriculture officers. (Manny Balbin/PNA)
