Discussions on proposed CMIS Division held

MEMBERS of the joint committees on agriculture and fisheries and on health and sanitation and health insurance, chaired by Councilors Annie Daba and Maria Lourdes Gaane, on Wednesday thoroughly discussed the proposed ordinance to establish the City Meat Inspection Services Division (CMIS) as a regulatory service under the City Veterinary Office.

During the joint meeting, City Veterinarian Dr. Perla Asis, who presented the proposal, cited the need to create the CMIS for the proper conduct of services and activities on meat inspection.

She said the proposal was already presented to City Mayor Oscar Moreno and the regional director of the National Meat Inspection Service, who gave the go signal for this.

Section 8 of RA 9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, provides that the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) shall formulate and issue and implement jointly with the appropriate Local Government Unit (LGU) national policies, guidelines, rules and regulations and programs.

MONITORING

Councilor Annie Daba inquired about the monitoring system conducted by the office especially in the hinterland barangays. She said farmers are concerned especially when their animals get sick.

Dr. Asis said her office has assigned properly trained inspectors in barangays.

She assured that animals in hinterland barangays will be monitored.

Section 4 of the proposed ordinance provides the creation of a laboratory section as an optional provision to conduct simple monitoring of pathogens in the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

In response to the query of Councilor Teodulfo Lao on why the provision is optional, Asis said the establishment of a laboratory is costly.

The office can instead conduct laboratory examination and submit the samples to the NMIS laboratory, she explained.

Councilors Gaane and Daba said the joint committee will continue to discuss the matter.

It was referred to the City Veterinary Office for revision.

Councilors Enrico Salcedo and Suzette Magtajas-Daba were present during the meeting. (JBD)