The Agricultural Training InstituteโCentral Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the National Meat Inspection Service Regional Technical Operations Center III (NMIS RTOC III), successfully concluded a 20-day Basic Meat Inspection Course (BMIC) held from March 23 to April 24, 2026, at ATI-RTC III in San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The training was attended by 21 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various municipalities across Region III, aiming to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and competencies in meat inspection and food safety. The program reflects the continued collaboration between ATI and NMIS in promoting public health through improved inspection practices.
Key officials present during the graduation program included Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, Officer-in-Charge Center Director of ATI-CL, and Dr. Isagani Julius S. Rodrigo, Regional Technical Director of NMIS RTOC III. Their participation underscored the agenciesโ shared commitment to advancing food safety standards in the region.
Throughout the course, participants underwent a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on field activities designed to deepen their understanding of meat inspection systems. As part of their field exposure, trainees visited several facilities, including public markets in Hermosa and Balanga, Bataan; Integrated Meat and Poultry Processing Inc. in Hermosa; Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation in Bamban, Tarlac; the Balanga City Slaughterhouse; RSRH Livestock Inc. in Marilao, Bulacan; and North Star Meat Merchants Inc. in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
These visits provided participants with real-world insights into meat inspection enforcement, operational standards, and industry practices.
In his message, Dr. Rodrigo emphasized the importance of integrity in the profession, stating that, โThe true test of a meat inspector is not what they do when the supervisor is watching, but what they decide when the pressure is high and the public is unaware.โ He reminded participants that their primary duty is to protect consumers, adding, โYour loyalty is not to the seller, but to the consumer.โ
Participants also shared reflections during the closing program. Riza C. Sabugo from LGU Dilasag, Aurora, highlighted the responsibility carried by meat inspectors, describing them as โthe unseen guardians of public health.โ She stressed that the role goes beyond routine work, emphasizing accountability and public trust.
Meanwhile, Ericson A. San Pedro, another participant, noted the collaborative nature of the training, saying it fostered both professional growth and personal development among participants.
The successful implementation of the BMIC underscores the ongoing efforts of ATI-CL and NMIS RTOC III to develop a skilled workforce dedicated to ensuring a safe, hygienic, and high-quality meat supply for Filipino consumers.
Written by:ย Carla Paula A. Carbonel
