DVMF logs 14% increase in revenue from January to April

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) reported nearly P9.83 million in collections from January to April 2026, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The accomplishment report submitted to Mayor Nestor D. Archival late last month is said to reflect stronger fiscal performance, intensified enforcement of food safety standards, and rising public participation in animal welfare programs.

From January to April, DVMF’s collections reached P9,833,227.46, covering revenues from its four divisions: City Meat Inspection Service, Animal Health Division, Fishery Division, and Administrative Division.

In April alone, the department generated P2.13 million, a one-percent increase compared to April 2025.

The City Meat Inspection Service, a division still under the department, condemned 743.30 kilograms of meat and animal parts due to pneumonia, cirrhosis, jaundice, abscesses, and fractures among hogs, while avian heads were rejected for overscalding and hematoma.

Confiscations totaled 90.54 kilograms, including pork lechon and mechanically deboned meat deemed unsafe for sale.

Enforcement yielded seven stern warnings and 18 citations, while seminars on hygienic meat handling and consumer awareness were conducted in barangays.

Slaughterhouses processed more than 8,000 hogs and over 53,000 chickens, with NMIS-accredited facilities adding cattle to the tally.

The Animal Health Division reported eight rabies samples in April, five of which tested positive, though no human cases were recorded.

Vaccination campaigns reached 3,048 animals, while 801 underwent spay or neuter procedures.

Pet adoptions surged to 16 in April, a number higher than the previous year, representing a 1,500 percent increase attributed to Archival’s appeal to Cebuanos.

Registrations of pets also rose to 1,451, while the Animal Clinic served 344 clients. Outreach services extended to multiple barangays, registering 170 pets and vaccinating 242.

The Cebu City Animal Welfare Council, on the other hand, advanced proposals for a pet memorial park and animal sanctuary, while welfare enforcement addressed five cases of neglect, maltreatment, and stray concerns.

The Fishery Division inspected 2.55 million kilograms of fish and marine products in April, slightly down from 2025 levels, but still processed 84,883 containers and re-inspected 278,018 kilograms at markets.

Monitoring covered 169 vendors, with education campaigns on fishery ordinances rolled out at Taboan Market.

Administrative functions included the submission of the first-quarter report to the mayor, facilitation of allowances for new employees, procurement planning, and compliance with audit requirements. The division also served as the Gender and Development focal office and handled ceremonial duties during the month. — / IHM (FREEMAN)