Fortifying efforts for its Animal Health program and African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention initiatives, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA – RFO 10) turned over a total of more than P1.8 million worth of drugs and biologics to the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental (MisOr).

Early this week, key officials of the agri department handed over the interventions amounting to P992,100 for Bukidnon at the Provincial Operations Center in Malaybalay City and P833,650 for Misamis Oriental at DA-RFO 10 Compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

Leading the turnover were DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga in Bukidnon, while Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla in Misamis Oriental.

Being at the frontline in the delivery of veterinary-related activities, MisOr Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin S. Resma lauded the agency’s efforts as it strengthens their initiatives in curbing potential outbreaks of highly contagious diseases of livestock animals which poses a challenge to enhanced livestock production.

“On behalf of the provincial government thru Governor Yevgeny Vincente Y. Emano, we are very thankful for the Department for the assistance we have received such as antibiotics, biologics, vitamins, and disinfectants which will be distributed to the different municipalities and cities of MisOr,” Dr. Resma said.

Meanwhile, Bukidnon Prov’l. Vet Office head Dr. Nancy V. Diez noted the bottles of disinfectant will be evenly distributed to the 11 installed quarantine checkpoints of the province to safeguard its borders, especially from the entry of live pigs and meat products from nearby ASF-stricken areas in Mindanao and Luzon.

With the provisions downloaded at the local governments, livestock raisers can readily access the availment of drugs and biologics upon request in their respective areas.

Particularly, said interventions are under the technical support services being extended by DA through its Livestock Program which eyes to boost and improve livestock production to ensure its availability, accessibility, and affordability.# (Irish Mae V. Juntahan/John Carl R. Anito)