With the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of sabong, DA-10 spearheads a consultation meeting on the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado spearheaded a consultation meeting regarding the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10 Veterinarian II, Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DVM shared, that the activity was conducted to address issues and concerns and discuss the additional preventive measures concerning the movement of gamefowls.

The meeting was attended by the provincial, city and municipal veterinary offices, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry National Veterinary Quarantine Services, DA-10’s Regulatory Division and Integrated Laboratories Division through its Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

He added that since the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of traditional cockfighting (sabong), many gamefowl handlers are now transporting their fighting cocks from one area to another.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 16, series of 2022 provides guidance and movement restrictions on several poultry-related commodities across different regions in the Philippines.

Among its salient provisions indicated that transport or movement of gamefowls from MIMAROPA, Visayas and non-affected cities/towns in Mindanao to any part of the country is allowed, provided that a veterinary health certificate and a negative Avian Influenza test result have been secured.

The body proposed on adopting a clustering approach for subject to approval or consensus of the different agencies.

It was further cited that should there be any depletion of test kits, private stakeholders may contribute thru their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by providing test kits and testing fees may also be free of charge.

Tentatively on June 27, another set of consultation meeting is set to tackle the gathered data from different game fowlers from the LGUs. # (RDMElloren)