DVMF collections hit P19.2-million

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has raised its collections to nearly P20 million as it intensified animal health, meat inspection, fisheries monitoring, and animal welfare enforcement in August.

The DVMF reported P2,339,279.74 in income in August, bringing its total collections from January to August to P19,169,268.85.

Fisheries enforcement was intensified through the inspection of 2.37 million kilograms of marine products and joint market denial operations with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Bantay Dagat. The operations resulted in the confiscation of stingray meat and illegally caught fish.

The division also coordinated with biodiversity and environment offices on fish harvests and participated in consultations on catch certification rules for exports.

Meanwhile, personnel of the City Meat Inspection Service underwent training on the Livestock Post-Abattoir Administrative Data and Reporting System (LaPAD), supported by newly acquired tablets for data gathering.

Biosecurity seminars on African swine fever (ASF) were conducted for butchers, processors, and residents in upland barangays. Inspection teams also processed 12,152 hogs and 129,724 chickens in accredited facilities.

Animal health services were expanded through radio campaigns, barangay caravans, and intensified vaccination drives.

The Animal Clinic served 290 clients, while livestock deworming and supplementation activities were conducted in Lusaran, Taptap, and Bonbon.

Vaccinator training in Sambag 2 mobilized barangay health workers and safety officers, while ASF-affected communities received cockerels as alternative sources of food.

The department also acted on six animal welfare complaints and registered and vaccinated 83 pets through its home service program.

Rabies control teams vaccinated 1,729 animals and provided treatment for mange and wounds, as well as deworming services.

Administrative services generated an additional P394,050 in fees under the Animal Welfare Ordinance, covering spay and neuter services, registration, adoption, and certifications.

The DVMF also continued updating its Citizen’s Charter, procurement systems, and gender and development initiatives.

The department said the measures reflect its expanding role in safeguarding Cebu City’s food supply chain, fisheries resources, and animal welfare while generating nearly P20 million in collections during the first eight months of the year. — /FPL (FREEMAN)