BACOLOD CITY — A PHP10-million Negros First Animal Hub under the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) will soon rise inside the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.
Shiela May Jumayao, head of PVO Planning, Programs and Projects Development Division, said the construction will begin this February with the target opening date in time for the” 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival” in April.
The structure , which will occupy a 3,081-square meter area, will include an auction area, animal pens and corrals for display and sale, training center, laboratory for research and development, and demonstration room for value-adding activities.
On Wednesday, the Provincial Board of Negros Occidental approved the ordinance establishing the Negros First Animal Hub aimed to boost the province’s livestock and poultry industry.
Fourth District Board Member Victor Javellana, chairman committee on agriculture, said the ordinance was passed after he conducted a committee hearing with the PVO personnel and representatives of local animal raisers associations.
“The facility aims to promote efficient basic services to animal raisers in the province by providing lower auction service fees resulting to lower production costs,” he said.
Dr. Renante Decena, head of PVO, said that on top of research and development initiatives and transfer of technologies, the animal hub will also boost efforts to provide livelihood to animal raisers.
The facility animal hub will further ensure government’s immediate response to the needs of the raisers, he added. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
