Commerce committee backs EO on temporary ban of poultry products

Cagayan de Oro City is facing possible shortage of poultry products.

This, following discussion of the City Council committee on trade and commerce chaired by Councilor George S. Goking on Executive Order No. 094, which declare a temporary ban on the entry into the city of all poultry products and by-products coming from Luzon and other areas with confirmed cases of avian influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu. With the short supply of chicken people will suffer due to the subsequent increase in prices of poultry products. The local economy will surely be affected; thus, we need to help in pump-priming the local economy, Goking said during the committee meeting.

City Veterinarian Dr. Perla Asis explained it is necessary to fully implement the Executive Order, adding bird flu can also affect the health of the people. She is already coordinating with other government agencies in handling the problem so as to protect the local poultry industry.

Meanwhile, the Misamis Oriental Retailers Association (MISORRA) expressed concerns about their stock of poultry products which they acquired before the executive order came out. For his part, Councilor Malvern Esparcia suggested the city finds ways to ensure the steady supply of poultry products in the local market. He also encouraged contract growers to put up business in the city’s hinterland barangays like Tignapoloan and Mambuaya which are suited for the purpose.

With this, the committee expressed its support for the implementation of the Executive Order.