Drive vs ‘hot meat’pays off in Caloocan

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri said yesterday the local government has effectively controlled the selling of hot meat to almost zero levels at more than 30 major public and private markets in the city.

Echiverri said the report could have not come at a better time since the city is currently observing "Meat Safety Consciousness Week." He said the intensified campaign by the City Veterinarian Office (CVO) has virtually reduced the proliferation of hot meat in various markets. 

"Our continuous monitoring of our markets and slaughterhouses as supported by our intensified information campaign is the primary reason why double-dead meats never make it to our open market," Echiverri said.

The Caloocan mayor also commended the efforts of the city veterinarian in its campaign to address the possible threat of bird flu. 

Echiverri said he has ordered an intensified inspection of all poultry farms and shops throughout the city.

He said the city’s health department is also closely coordinating with the office of Caloocan’s Liga ng mga Barangay president and Councilor Ricojudge "RJ" Echiverri for the orientation of barangay officials and owners of pet shops in the city regarding the proper care of pets.

For his part, the younger Echiverri said maintaining a healthy environment depends on effective prevention and a massive information drive starting at the grassroots level.

The councilor said they have coordinated with several private institutions for the implementation of barangay-centered programs on the proper care of domesticated animals.

As this developed, the younger Echiverri invited dog owners in the city to participate in Caloocan’s "Pet Mo, Labas Mo" project and avail of free check-up and rabies vaccination and other dog care services for their pets today, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Caloocan High School gymnasium along 10th Avenue in Caloocan City.