Agri-10 through the Regulatory Division apprises LGUs on regulations for animal and feed facilities.

 

LANAO DEL NORTE — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, held an orientation on September 24 in Lala town to discuss the regulations, particularly on the registration and licensing, of animal facilities and feed establishments.

The event gathered agricultural staff from local government units (LGUs) across the province to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) guidelines, as mandated by Republic Acts (RA) 8485 and 1556, and other related administrative orders (AO) and circulars (AC) from the DA.

Division’s Veterinarian III, Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, discussed RA 8485, otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” and its amendments under RA 10631.

Said law is designed to promote animal welfare by preventing cruelty, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring animals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Chiu also covered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2016-12, which requires the registration of animal facilities with the DA-BAI before LGUs can issue business permits.

As stipulated by DA-AO No. 8, Series of 1999, she reiterated that animal facility owners must secure a BAI Certificate of Registration before the issuance of a Mayor’s Permit. She stressed the importance of keeping facilities clean and sanitary, with BAI reserving the right to revoke registration if these standards are not met.

Further, Chiu also elaborated on DA-AC No. 04, 2016, which sets forth the rules and regulations for the registration of animal facilities. This includes the requirements, process for renewal, administrative sanctions, fees, and the minimum number of animals required per farm or facility registration.

In addition, Agriculturist I Elaine Joy D. Morante provided an overview of RA 1556, which regulates the manufacture, importation, labeling, advertising, and sale of livestock and poultry feeds.

She stressed that, as per Section 4, Subsection (d), no feeds or feeding materials in any form may be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, or offered for sale without prior registration with the BAI Director.

Further, Morante discussed DA-AO No. 08, 2004, which amends AO No. 3, Series of 1997, detailing revised guidelines for the registration and licensing of livestock, poultry, and by-products handlers, as well as livestock transport carriers.

These licenses, as she explained, are valid for one year and must be renewed at least a month before expiration. However, renewal applicants are required to attend a seminar to stay informed about current government regulations.

Participants in the orientation were from the Agricultural offices and Business Processing and Licensing offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Lanao del Norte.

In line with DA’s commitment in creating a safer and more regulated environment for both animals and agricultural stakeholders in the region, the DA-10 also aims to strengthen the coordination between the agency and LGUs.# (BJCE/Photo supplied)