The Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture- Cordillera started the Provincial Consultative Meeting with local government units of Benguet and Mountain Province.
The activities aimed to disseminate national policies, memoranda, and updated regulations and to formulate regional strategies and plans to prevent entry of plant pest/animal diseases in the region, including contingency plan in cases of pest/diseases outbreaks.
In his message before LGUs in Mountain Province, DA-Cordillera Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey said the activity is timely due to the challenges brought about by the spread of African swine fever in the region.
“Your role in containing this disease and determining strategies to contain other animal diseases that might strike in the future is very significant,” Odsey said.
He said the consultation is significant in strengthening the devolution of functions to LGUs as part of the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling.
Mountain Province Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Office Head Beverly Pekas said this paves way for LGUs to understand their roles in the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling implementation.
The activity also served as platform to formulate strategies and plans to register all animal feed establishments, veterinary drugs and product establishments, animal facilities and endorse additional farms for certification on Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and Organic Agriculture.
It also provided a platform for the LGUs to plan on effective and sustainable implementation strategies on agriculture regulations in their respective areas.
During the consultation in Benguet, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Chief Jennilyn Dawayan said GAHP guidelines should be encouraged among farmers to increase the scale of production in the region.
She emphasized the role of LGUs in assisting farmers to comply with the requirements for PhilGAP, GAHP, and organic certification is invaluable.
Similar activities will be conducted for Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, and Kalinga. – Sherilyn B. Mayao
April 27, 2024
