Creation of Anti-ASF Task Force, TWG ok’d

On Monday’s regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez, the 20th City Council enacted an ordinance creating the Cagayan de Oro City Anti-African Swine Fever (Anti-ASF) Task Force and Technical Working Group (TWG) adopting and implementing the Bantay ASF sa Barangay also known as the “Babay ASF Program”.

This is pursuant to Section 6 of DA Administrative Order No. 7, Series of 2021, also known as the Implementing Guidelines for the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program”, which reiterates the strengthening and institutionalization of LGU engagement in the implementation of the Bantay ASF Program and other pertinent provisions of the Local Government Code as well as several issuances of the Department of Agriculture in preventing and controlling the spread of ASF and thereby facilitate the recovery of the hog sector.

The Babay ASF Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City seeks to establish an effective ASF monitoring, surveillance and reporting system and strengthen biosecurity measures at the farm level and border control. It also aims to intensify awareness campaigns and other capacity-building activities, assist in the recovery and repopulation of previously affected areas and generate and mobilize resources for an effective implementation of the program.

Meanwhile, the creation of the Task Force is pursuant to DA AO No. 43, Series of 2020, which gives it the authority to oversee the implementation of the above-mentioned ordinance and other related activities as may be provided by the rules and regulations and guidelines promulgated by higher authority and mandated by national laws.

It shall be headed by the City Mayor as Chairperson, co-chaired by the City Veterinarian, with members composed of representatives from the different offices of the city government and other non-government organizations (NGOs). The TWG was also created to serve as the advisory body of the Task Force to ensure the efficient implementation of the Babay ASF Program. It shall be headed by the City Veterinarian and composed of government and private sector stakeholders.

The legislation was reviewed and endorsed by the committees on agriculture and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Jay R. Pascual and Edgar S. Cabanlas, respectively.