The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached bureau of the Department of Agriculture (DA), marked its 94th year of service dedicated to modernizing and revitalizing the Philippine animal industry in an opening ceremony at the BAI Compound, Quezon City on March 12.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 3639, the DA-BAI was created with the mission to investigate, study, and report on the causes of and preventive measures against communicable diseases in animals as well as to promote the development of the Philippine livestock industry.
With the theme, “Pistahan sa Barangay BAI: Siyamnapu’t Apat na Taon tungo sa Masaganang Paghahayupan,” the DA-BAI’s anniversary celebration this year also honors the collective efforts and triumphs of the Bureau’s officials, staff, institutional partners, and clientele.
“Ang temang ito ay nagpapahayag ng ating kolektibong layunin na mapaunlad ang sektor ng paghahayupan tungo sa masaganang hinaharap. Ito rin ay patunay ng ating pagkakaisa bilang isang malakas na komunidad na nagtatrabaho para sa kapakanan ng ating mga hayop at buong sektor ng agrikultura,” expressed DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano.
Noting that more work needs to be done, DA-BAI Director Dr. Enrico Miguel Capulong called on every stakeholder to support the Bureau’s various initiatives to achieve a prosperous animal industry in the country.
“Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa sa atin na magtulungan at magbigay ng suporta para sa layuning masaganang komunidad. Sa pagkakaisa nating lahat at sipag, siguradong makakamtan natin ito. Patuloy nating itaguyod ang adhikain ng Bureau of Animal Industry tungo sa mas matatag, masagana, at masiglang kinabukasan para sa ating mga magsasaka at komunidad,” the DA-BAI chief said.
The event was highlighted with the launching of the “Duck Egg Production and Processing: Principles and Practices in the Philippine Context.
The book, authored by Dr. Angel Lambio, Dr. Veneranda Magpantay, Dr. Christine Adiova, and Dr. Rene Santiago, is a product of collaboration between experts from DA-BAI and the University of the Philippines Los Baños in response to stakeholders’ clamor for a reference material on duck egg production and processing.
Also, during the event, eight animal farms received their Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) certification—a proof that the farm’s products are safe and fit for human consumption while also putting premium on environmental conservation and occupational safety—as part of the opening event.
Four other farms were also awarded certifications under the DA-BAI’s Swine Breeder Farms Accreditation Program (SBFAP), which aims to assure the distribution of quality swine genetics by certifying, accrediting, and promoting the sources of quality breeders.
The week-long anniversary celebration of the DA-BAI features the interactive booths of its divisions as well as seminars and wellness services for its employees.
As the event coincides with the observation of the Rabies Awareness Month, the Bureau joined forces with the Quezon City Veterinary Department in offering free anti-rabies vaccination drive, microchipping services, and spay and neuter services on March 14.
The celebration was graced by DA-National Livestock Program (NLP) Director Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano, DA-National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) Executive Director Dr. Clarita Sangcal, DA-NMIS Deputy Executive Director Dr. Roberto Umali, DA-NMIS Administration and Finance Division Chief Dr. Lamberto Dela Cruz, representatives from the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and DA-National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
