Gov suspends provisions of quarantine law

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Office of the Governor issued a suspension order of the Animal Quarantine Regulations Ordinance pending the result of consultations with chicken dung dealers and other stakeholders.

Governor Crescencio Pacalso issued Memorandum No. 2018-082 suspending Section 5 paragraph G and Section 7 of Provincial Ordinance No. 17-216 otherwise known as the Animal Quarantine Regulations Ordinance from April 13 to May 30, 2018.

The order addressed to Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Miriam Tiongan and Provincial Treasurer Imelda Macanes stated all the other provisions of the ordinance including the imposition of regulatory fees shall remain in full force and effect.

The Tublay Chicken Manure Dealer and Trucker Association (CMDTA) had written the Governor copy furnished the Provincial Board to intercede to their request for suspension of the particular provisions of the ordinance.

In their letter, the group stated, they are willing to pay the Animal Quarantine Regulatory Fee in the amount of 30 centavos per sack. The group further implied the continuous collection and imposition of the penalties is detrimental to the farmers as such impositions will accrue to them.

The provincial government though the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held series of public consultation among stakeholders for the possible amendment of the provisions of the Ordinance as requested by the association.

Tiongan stressed the main intent of the ordinance is to ensure public safety and prevent or minimize the entry of trans-boundary animal diseases. She clarified that they are not after the collection of fees but the safety of the public and consumers such as the case of entry of double dead animals unfit for human consumption and most especially the safety of existing livestock raisers which may affect their livelihood.