DA-CAR orients Abra on livestock regulatory laws

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) – CAR continued its series of Regulatory Orientations recently at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Bangued, Abra with livestock coordinators, feed traders and dealers, and the local government unit.

Dr. Rustom Valera, Provincial Veterinarian of Abra, enjoined the participants to listen and take note of the discussions for the benefit of everyone.

Speakers for the topics presented are from the DA-CAR Regulatory Division that specializes in the subjects respectively. Doweno Santiago, Jr. tackled the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Rice, Corn, and High Value Crops. The 5S of Good Housekeeping was initially discussed as a prep for GAP.

Myelene Cadalig went on to explain the Good Animal Husbandry (GAHP) including the requirements and process of obtaining GAP and GAHP certificates.

At the same time, Santiago expanded his report on the Republic Act 10611 (Food Safety Act). He highlighted the role of producers in the safety and quality standards of food to prevent and minimize the

occurrence of contamination.

“Consumers are taking into consideration how things, especially food, are processed and made,” he added.

With regards to Republic Act 3720 (foods, drugs, and devices) and Republic Act 1556 (livestock and poultry feeds), Vilma Mosqueda expounded on the steps on how to acquire the licenses for the dealing, trading, and transporting these goods. Details regarding the Administrative Order 08 or the Livestock Handlers Transport Care was also given.

Marietta Blanco meanwhile expounded on the major points of Republic Act 848 while a briefer and updates on the Avian Influenza outbreak in the country was reported by Dr. Cecilia Capuyan. The current actions taken towards the pacification and spread of the disease was relayed to the participants. In Dr. Capuyan’s report, poultry is number one livestock commodity produced in the country.