Cotabato Governor Nancy A. Catamco is poised to issue an Executive Order creating a Task Force on African Swine Flu (TF-ASF) that will formulate an action plan to prevent the entry of ASF in the province and spearhead its implementation as well as act as a Crisis-Hazard and Risk Management Team.
In a Management Committee meeting held early today at her office, Governor Catamco approved the recommendation of Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Rufino c. Sorupia for the creation of the task force following his report that cases of ASF have been monitored in eight barangays of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, approximately 150 kilometers from Cotabato province.
Dr. Sorupia said that there are presently more than two hundred thousand pigs in the province.
His office has organized teams to closely monitor entry points to the province to prevent and control the entry of livestock affected by ASF and ensure the strict implementation of the provincial veterinary quarantine protocol, he added.
In 2015, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cotabato approved Provincial Ordinance No. 558, or the Veterinary Quarantine Ordinance of Cotabato Province, which established veterinary quarantine service centers along the Davao del Sur- Cotabato Boundaries, Davao City-Cotabato Boundaries, Maguindanao – Cotabato Boundaries, Bukidnon – Cotabato Boundaries, Cotabato City – Cotabato Boundaries, and Lanao del Sur – Cotabato Boundaries.
Alongside this, Governor Catamco also directed the Integrated Provincial Health Office to craft timely reminders and advisories to Cotabateños to educate them on Coronavirus ARD and keep them informed about government efforts to contain the spread of the infection.
“Our people need assurance, not scary reports fueling their fears through false information. And while it is very important that we act urgently on this health threat, we in government should maintain calm and sobriety in facing this challenge,” Catamco said.//idcd//
