DVMF logs over P2.2 million collections, income in May

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has reported more than P2.2 million in collections and income for the month of May.

The figure brings the department’s total collections and income since January this year to P12 million, a 10 percent climb from the same period last year.

But behind the numbers are stories of vigilance and community engagement.

The city’s Meat Inspection Service not only kept a close watch on slaughterhouses but also trained nearly 300 market workers on hygienic handling of meat.

Inspectors condemned over 640 kilograms of meat and animal parts due to conditions such as pneumonia and abscesses, while confiscations of spoiled or unverified products ranged from pork lechon to chicken by-products.

Additionally, at least 30 citations and seven stern warnings were issued by the department.

In total, more than 11,000 hogs and 137,000 chickens passed through inspections in May.

The Animal Health Division conducted animal welfare discussions in nine barangays and saw a remarkable 700 percent surge in dog adoptions, which was attributed to a social media campaign amplified through Mayor Nestor Archival’s Facebook page.

Adoption fairs held at a mall, combined with rabies vaccination drives, drew families and pet lovers, while the city’s Animal Clinic served 344 clients with procedures ranging from dental work to blood tests.

Farmers in upland barangays also benefited from livestock deworming and vitamin supplementation, and even horses had their own “Kabayo Day” for care.

Rabies control remained a priority, with nearly 5,000 animals vaccinated and three positive rabies samples detected in Pulangbato, Luz, and Hipodromo, though no human cases were recorded.

On the fisheries front, inspectors checked 2.7 million kilograms of fish and marine products, ensuring quality across markets and supermarkets.

Joint operations with national agencies and police at South Road Properties and C. Padilla reinforced the city’s crackdown on illegal trade.

Collections from the said division reached P182,118, while licensing and registration added another P142,900, covering hundreds of dealers, handlers, and processors.

The Administrative Division kept the department’s workforce motivated and compliant, releasing mid-year bonuses, preparing the 2027 budget, and ensuring that directives from the Human Resource and Development Office were met. (CEBU NEWS)