The province of Batangas can't seem to take a break. From the Taal Volcano Eruption last January, to the African Swine Fever case detected last February, to March's Enhanced Community Quarantine due to COVID-19. It has been one roller coaster ride for our office, and has really taken its toll, both physically and mentally. However, as one of the frontliners during times of disaster, we cannot let go of our moral obligation to not only the animals, who cannot fend for themselves, but also to the Filipinos who depend on the Livestock Production Sector of Agriculture.
The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was enforced by the government to control the spread of COVID-19. Some of the agriculture - related problems encountered in our province during the initial days of implementation were the following: 1. Livestock Transport Carriers were not allowed to pass through; 2. Trucks carrying farm inputs were also not allowed; 3. Workers in the agriculture sector, such as farmers and laborers in farms and feedmills were prevented from going to work; 4. Veterinarians were not sure if they would be allowed passage through LGU checkpoints if they were to provide services in animal clinics or farms. This can be really scary, because when the chain of food production is halted, Food Security and Safety becomes an issue of survival for each one of us. An epidemiological model by one of my professors in college, Dr. DJ Darwin Bandoy, forecasted that the peak of COVID-19 infection in the country will occur by the end of June, and will infect 244,628 persons. June is still 3 months away.
However, it looks like the Department of Agriculture is realizing the importance of veterinarians in ensuring Food Security and Safety in the country. They have issued a Memorandum last March 2020, stating that veterinarians are essential in providing veterinary and technical services to farms, animal hospitals and clinics, therefore, should be allowed passage to government checkpoints, provided they have a "Conduct Pass" and other pertinent documents. For those working in the agriculture sector, Memorandum Circular No. 09 Series of 2020, has already stated that all farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness personnel shall be exempted from doing home quarantine rovided that these persons do not have symptoms of COVID-19; the number of workers that will be going to work is kept to a minimum; and that safety protocols in the work area is at place.
I salute to all the medical responders. You are sacrificing so much for the lives of every Filipino.
I salute the PNP and AFP for ensuring peace and order.
I salute to all the civil servants working amidst the dangerous conditions.
I salute to all those on duty in animal checkpoints, your presence and duties will prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure that livestock, poultry and their products, are fit for human consumption
I salute to all veterinarians agriculturists, livestock and meat inspectors, farmers, fisherfolk and laborers in the agriculture sector. If not for these people, what will we eat?!
BTW, everyone of us can be a hero too! Follow the government's orders during ECQ and STAY AT HOME! if it is absolutely necessary to go out, practice social distancing. Wear a mask and practice biosecurity when returning home to your family.
