Resolution terminating MOA with NMIS pushed

The City Council committee on agriculture chaired by Councilor Jay R. Pascual approved in principle the request of Dr. Perla T. Asis, City Veterinarian, for termination of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered into by and between the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) so that the building may be utilized by the Meat Inspection Division of the City Veterinary Office.

During the meeting last Tuesday, May 9, 2023, a representative from the City Veterinary Office Meat Inspection Division reiterated their intention to occupy the NMIS office building in Cugman which was vacated already since June 14, 2019 as their office is not only very small but poorly maintained; thus putting the health and welfare of its 22 personnel (including their Meat Inspectors) at risk. Asis also cited their intention to put up a Meat Inspection Laboratory as part of the Meat Inspection Code of Cagayan de Oro.

“Since dili naman gagamiton sa NMIS kay naa naman silay bag-ong two-storey building sa El Salvador (Misamis Oriental), so we ask for your support for the cancellation of the Usufruct Agreement kay mao man gyud pud na ang dapat buhaton para makabalhin nami didto,” the representative further explained. She added that as per ocular inspection, the vacated NMIS office was generally in good condition and needs only minor repairs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Neonette K. Agreda, NMIS-10 Regional Technical Director, expressed no objection to the termination of the Usufruct Agreement, even offering to donate to the city some of its usable laboratory equipment which are still being stored in the aforementioned office. For his part, Councilor Aga Suan suggested that if the City Veterinary Office were to repair the vacant office in Cugman, it should be a complete one even if it would cost much for the city. A budget for the purpose must be prepared so that next year it will be allocated accordingly, he said.

With this, Councilor Pascual urged the office to prepare and submit its proposed budget, particularly on the repair cost for appropriate and immediate action by the City Council.