Bulacan continues to ensure Bulakenyos’ healthy and safe meatconsumption

The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has intensified its campaign against unscrupulous meat traders and continues to ensure Bulakenyos’ food security and safety meat consumption as part of the celebration of Meat Safety Consciousness Week this coming October 19-23, 2015.

Anchored on the theme, “Karne at Pagkaing Ligtas, Magkasama sa Iisang Landas,” Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that series of meat inspection in different public markets and slaughterhouses in the province will be conducted through the help of PVO, Bulacan Provincial Police Office, and Provincial Public Safety Company to assure the Bulakenyos that the meat and meat products that they buy are safe, fit for human consumption, and free from any contamination.

“We will continue to intensify our campaign to combat illegal meat traders to safeguard the public’s health and we will strengthen our meat inspection system to assure safety and quality of meat and meat products available in different markets in Bulacan,” the governor said.

Alvarado also said that the celebration aims to create public awareness about the government’s vigorous efforts to ensure healthy, sanitary and safe practices in the production and consumption of meat in the country.

Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinarian Voltaire Basinang reminded everyone to be a wise meat consumer and inspect the meat through the “HASA Inspection” or the “Hawakan, Amuyin, Siyasatin, Alamin at Hanapin” to ensure the safety and quality of the meat and different meat products available in the market.

Basinag also advised the public to look for the seal of inspection and meat inspection certificate before buying from any meat vendor.

 He also said that any person who commits violation of the provisions of the Republic Act 105336 known as Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, including the selling of hot meat locally known as “botcha,” will be punished by imprisonment from six (6) to 12 years or a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1,000,000.

The celebration is pursuant to the Proclamation No. 276 signed by former president Fidel V. Ramos, declaring every third week of October as Meat Safety Consciousness Week which is the stepping stone of the government to fulfill a vision of a healthy and better life for every Filipino.