DVMF set to get own building

CEBU, Philippines — The proposed P60-million Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVFM) building, which will include a city-owned veterinary hospital, is expected to be realized in 2025.

Dr. Alice Utlang said DVMF never had its own office ever since it became a department. Currently, DVMF is using the Old Abbatoir in Barangay Mabolo as its office.

Utlang, DVMF head, said a P30-million budget for the building’s first floor was already approved and is now up for public bidding. She said another P30 million will be included in the annual budget next year for the impounding facility.

Utlang envisioned the new DVMF building to have a veterinary clinic and hospital.

“Karon kay among clinic kay lamesa rana og kanang sa entrace nga area, nya kasagaran nga evaluation sa clients nato, ang isulti jud kay pirti jung gamaya ang atoang area,” said Utlang.

Not to mention the already dilapidated state of their current office after it was damaged by super typhoon Odette. In fact, some portions of the DVMF office were just patched up with GI sheets to cover the holes.

Utlang said they need a bigger facility because of their expanded services.

With the establishment of a city-owned veterinary hospital, Utlang said the city government could be at par with the private clinics.  She highlighted the timeliness of the building, saying that there were several pet owners in the city who cannot afford to bring their pets in the private clinics which the DVMF is offering at a low cost.

Utlang also aims to put a stop to the individuals masquerading as “rescuers” to collect donations from animal lovers. According to her, if the city veterinary clinic can accommodate more pets, they can cater to strays that need help.

Meanwhile, Utlang expressed disappointment after finding out that those who are availing their free spay and neuter are mostly not from Cebu City but were just using residents of the city to be able to get the services for free. She said that this is also a reflection of the surge of clients who need the services of DVMF.

“Mao ng karon, nagpuno ta og requirements aron makaingon jud nga

kaning mga iroa taga Cebu City…pangayoan nag voter’s ID, proof of billing,” she said. 

Utlang said that with the DVFM hospital, these registrations may now be ironed out and properly executed in collaboration with the barangay levels.

“Di man nga mag dinalo ta, but it is unfair of the Cebuanos or the pets from Cebu City, di na nuon ka avail,” said Utlang.

The City Council already referred to the committee on budget and finance the proposed P17 billion annual budget of the city for 2025, which includes the P30M additional allocation for DVMF.  (FREEMAN)