Capitol distributes P6M worth of equipment

The Cebu provincial government has turned over cattle squeezers and abattoir equipment worth P5.7 million to 41 local government units.

The Capitol distributed 23 cattle squeezers or squeeze chute, 20 weighing scales, 51 tattoo slappers with ink, five viscera inspection tables, and five evisceration platforms.

Governor Hilario Davide III, in a turnover ceremony a week ago, said it was Capitol’s firs t time to distribute cattle squeezers, a strongly built stall or cage for holding cattle, horses, or other livestock safely while they are examined, marked, or given veterinary treatment.

Each chute costs P180,000.

Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy said the cattle squeezers can also provide adequate protection for both the animal and the operator while artificial insemination (AI) is performed.

During the ceremony, a veterinarian demonstrated how the chute works on a 20-month-old Red Brahman. While pressed inside the crusher, one can milk the cow, examine its front legs, hind legs, neck or subject the cow in heat to AI procedure.

Moreover, Department of Agriculture-7 Regional Technical Director Joel Elumba said the Capitol’s program is effective and responsive to the region’s economy, which is also driven by poultry and livestock.

Present during the ceremony were Mayors Nicepuro Apura of Carcar City, Lito Creus of Malabuyoc, Lissa Marie Durano- Streegan of Sogod, Erwin Yu of Tudela, Marilyn Wenceslao of Santander, and Mariano Martinez of San Remigio.

Vice Mayors Greman Solante of Tudela, Richard Streegan of Sogod, and agriculture officers of recipient LGUs were also present.

Also present were Provincial Board Members Celestino Martinez III, Jerome Librando, Christoper Baricuatro, Horacio Franco III and Jude Sybico.—Lorraine

Mitzi Ambrad and Ashlee Love A. Marzon, USJ-R Intern/KBQ