From Farm to Table: Ensuring Quality Meat Products in CdeO

WE live in a world abundant with food choices, and for many of us, meat—like the beloved Filipino dish, lechon—holds a central place on our tables. Unless you are a vegan or vegetarian, meat is likely a staple in your diet and a key source of nutrition. However, the safety and quality of the meat we consume depend heavily on rigorous inspection standards.

In 2021, around 1,100 backyard hog raisers in the city were severely affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF), leading to the culling of 4,600 pigs. In response, the city government released a total of ₱9 million in indemnification funds for the affected farmers and hog raisers. As of a 2024 report by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the city's ASF status was downgraded from 'red' (infected) to 'pink' (buffer zone), signifying improvement but highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance against ASF.

Believing that the highest standards of meat safety is paramount for public health, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez filed a proposed legislation titled "The Meat Inspection Code of Cagayan De Oro City" on May 17, 2024.

This legislation aims to modernize and strengthen the existing regulations, which have remained largely unchanged for the past 30 years. By addressing issues related to processing, marketing, and the proper inspection and preservation of meat products, this proposal seeks to enhance public health and consumer confidence in our city’s food supply.

Central to the proposed legislation is the protection of human and animal health from various risks. It is designed to shield consumers against zoonotic diseases, meat-borne infections, and hazards associated with residues from animal treatments.

Additionally, it aims to ensure the safety of meat handlers from occupational risks, safeguard livestock from diseases, and protect both consumers and the meat industry from economic losses due to substandard products.

Vice Mayor Bebot collaborated closely with the City Veterinary Office (CVO) in drafting this legislation to ensure the safety and quality of meat products available to the public.

The proposed ordinance establishes the City Meat Inspection Service (CMIS) within the CVO, a specialized division aimed at systematizing meat inspection and control, ensuring that every step — from farm to table — adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality.