DA-10 strengthens support for animal welfare in NorMin

 

LANAO DEL NORTE – Aiming to capacitate stakeholders in the protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, staged a training for the Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs) from November 19 to 21, in Lala town, here.

In her message, Veterinarian ll of the Regulatory Division Kristine B. Paño, DVM, emphasized that the training equips the officers with the skills needed to protect animals, enforce animal welfare laws, and advocate for ethical treatment.

“This prepares you [AWEOs] to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding animal welfare while fostering a respectful and humane society,“ she said, addressing particularly the attendees from the Philippine National Police and local government units from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental, and the City Veterinary Office of Iligan.

As provided in Section 10 of Republic Act (RA) 8485 as amended by RA 10631, the Secretary of the DA shall authorize trained AWEOs from non-government organizations, community organizations, citizens groups and other volunteers. Additionally, it stipulated the deputation of law enforcement agencies as well as the local government units, who will be responsible in the seize and rescue of illegally traded and maltreated animals, and arrest violators of the said law, adhering to the legal guidelines on arrest and detention.

During the training, the DA-10 Regulatory Division also partnered with resource speakers from the Bureau of Animal Industry-10 (BAI-10) to highlight discussions on Animal Welfare concepts, roles and responsibilities of AWEOs, animal welfare violations, cases management, and the analysis of case studies through simulation exercises and actual case exposures.

The capbuild likewise enabled participants to share their insights and learnings through workshops, group discussions, and presentation of group outputs.

In closing, Paño noted that the agency will continue to provide services dedicated to enhancing knowledge and skills aimed at promoting animal welfare and the implementation of laws that protect the most vulnerable.# (EJLG)