ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept 1 (PIA) – Members of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Animal Diseases-IX have resolved to tighten its inter-regional boundaries as part of an elevated response to stop the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region.
This is in the light of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA-9) observation over lax inter-regional boundaries in Zamboanga Peninsula and urged local government units to tighten their security in order to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region.
DA-9 is tightening its border control versus ASF, especially vigilant over meat products coming from affected areas near the region, like those from some affected cities and municipalities of Davao del Norte (Panabo City), Davao del Sur (Bansalan, Magsaysay, Sta. Cruz, Sulop, Davao City [Buhangin, Calinan, Marilog Districts]), Davao Occidental (Don Marcelino, Jose Abad, Malita, Sta. Maria), North Cotabato (Kidapawan City, Magpet, President Roxas, Arakan), and Sarangani (Glan).
During the meeting, there appears to be some confusion over who will confiscate the illegal meat products along the borders. But Dr. Jose Leo Galicia of the Bureau of Animal Industry was quick to clarify that all member-agencies with the mandate can confiscate.
With this concern, DA-9 Assistant Regional Director Melba Wee saw the need for the regional IATF to be reoriented with the guidelines and protocols/procedures in the inspection and confiscation of meat products that enter the borders of Zamboanga Peninsula Provinces.
Meanwhile, the hog raisers association in the region have expressed concern over processed meat online sellers. Eric Harina said that these online sellers remain unchecked. He also appealed to the task force to designate a body to go around and monitor to report regularly to the IATF.
However, the Department of Trade and Industry said that they have already encouraged more and more online sellers to register.
Based on DA-9 data, 86 new affected barangays in the country were recorded as of the period from August 5-17, 2020. DA also reported confiscations of some 770.09 kilograms of confiscated pork, pork-products, and other meat products comingled to pork and pork-products; 7 liters of pork oil; and 58 kilograms packs of chicharon. (EDT/RVC/PIA9-ZamPen)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments