THE City Government of Tagbilaran organized a Contingency Plan Workshop on May 14, 2024 at Jj’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City, to address the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF)
The workshop aimed to strengthen the city’s preparedness and response mechanisms against ASF, a disease that poses a significant risk to the local swine industry.
The event saw the participation of the: Department Heads from the City Government of Tagbilaran, barangay captains of the different districts, key personnel from the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO), and representatives from various national government agencies.
These agencies included the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bohol Maritime, and the Philippine Ports Authority – Tagbilaran (PPA).
Dr. Genette Mae Egos-Yap, the head of CAVO, led the workshop, emphasizing the critical need for a coordinated response to prevent the spread of ASF within the city.
A highlight of the workshop was the ASF update provided by Dr. Marjorie A. Licatan of the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office. Dr. Licatan presented the latest data on ASF outbreaks, transmission vectors, and control measures. She also stressed the importance of vigilance and rapid response to contain any potential outbreaks.
In an interview, Mayor Jane Yap highlighted the importance of the activity.
“Tagbilaran City is the gateway of the province of Bohol. This workshop is an essential step in ensuring we are prepared to handle, any efficiently and effectively, any potential outbreaks of ASF. Our united effort is the key to protecting our agricultural sector,” Mayor Yap stated.
The representatives from the national agencies expressed their commitment to supporting the local government’s initiatives. They provided insights and resources to bolster the city’s ASF contingency plans.
The workshop concluded with a collaborative session where participants drafted an updated contingency plan tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of Tagbilaran City.
This proactive approach by the City Government of Tagbilaran underscores its commitment to protecting the local agricultural industry. By involving various stakeholders and leveraging national support, the city aims to create a robust defense against ASF.
