TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – For the 29th time, the month-long Basic Meat Inspection Course (BMIC) equipped 20 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in the region with knowledge and skills in the overall monitoring of certain animal diseases and the verification of compliance with animal welfare standards in order to ensure meat safety and quality.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON, in collaboration with the DA - National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) Region IV-A, offered the said course to potential meat inspectors held from May 20 - June 14, 2024, at the ATI CALABARZON Compound in Trece Martires City and various slaughterhouses in the region.
BMIC is composed of eight (8) modules that were comprehensively designed to cater to the information and technology needs of the participants. These include the Legal Framework: Laws and Issuances, specifically the Republic Act No. 9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines; Basic Anatomy and Physiology in relation to Meat Inspection and Meat Science; Principles of Diseases of Livestock and Poultry; Meat Establishment; Humane Handling and Slaughter of Food Animals; Meat Inspection Proper; Meat Safety and Quality Assurance; and Documentation and Reporting.
Moreover, the participants were trained through lecture discussions and workshops delivered by the pool of experts from NMIS IV-A, as well as through field practicums.
Last June 14, they completed the said course and were awarded with respective certificates through a closing program held at the ATI CALABARZON.
“Ang kaalaman na ito ay magagamit namin para sa mga mamimili, para sa kanilang kalusugan—at lalo na po para sa aming pamilya na kumakain ng karne. Sa amin nakasalalay na ligtas at de-kalidad ang karne na ihahain sa bawat tahanan,” said Marc Cyrus San Antonio, one of the completers from the local government unit of Calauag, Quezon.
ATI CALABARZON Center Director Dr. Rolando V. Maningas and DA-NMIS IV-A Regional Director Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc also graced and delivered a message for the completers, highlighting the crucial responsibilities of meat inspectors in strengthening meat quality assurance for health and safety of consumers.
News by: Archie Linsasagin
