DA-BAI intensifies anti-ASF drive
THE Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) has committed to intensifying its National African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention and Control Program, including the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” (BABay ASF) program as the ongoing ASF vaccine trials continue to show promising results.
This was the assurance made by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban during the recent celebration of the 93rd founding anniversary of BAI, saying that the agency will lead the sector toward recovery and continued growth.
“The responsibility and obligation upon us are great. We must do what we say. We must demonstrate competence and commitment in reaching high standards of performance,” Panganiban said during the event.
He recognized that the country’s livestock sector had suffered because of ASF, but it showed signs of recovery with 2.3% production growth last year.
DA-BAI Director Paul Limson, on the other hand, also assured that they will not waste and disregard the trust that was given to the bureau.
Limson also disclosed that the bureau will implement various programs and activities to address the key challenges in the sector, such as the incursion of transboundary animal diseases and the high cost of inputs.
The bureau’s strategic agenda includes boosting local production and raising the farmers’ and fisherfolk’s income; ensuring access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food; developing strong, modernized, and climate-resilient value chains; and institutionalizing policy reforms and strengthening institutions.
With the theme, “Masiglang paghahayupan para sa masaganang hapag-kainan at maunlad na pamayanan,” the week-long anniversary celebration featured free public seminars on meat processing and production of goat, cattle, and native chicken.
“Tunay na isinasaloob ng tagline natin ngayong taon ang nais marating ng ating industriya sa paghahayupan. Sinisiguro ko sa inyo na ang Bureau of Animal Industry ay patuloy niyong maaasahan at magiging katuwang sa pagtataguyod at pagpoprotekta ng industriya ng paghahayupan,” Limson said.
