The Department of Agriculture in Central Luzon (DA-3) and the provincial government of Bulacan have formalized a partnership to establish a new animal quarantine facility, a project aimed at strengthening livestock health, preventing the spread of diseases, and supporting the province's agricultural sector. The initiative is expected to improve biosecurity measures while providing better protection for both animals and the public.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the project was signed on Friday by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando, DA-3 Regional Livestock Program coordinator Gil David, Memito Luyun of the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office, and Provincial Veterinary Office head Voltaire Basinang.
Before the signing ceremony, 75 livestock farmers who completed the Farmers' Field School-Goat Entrepreneurship Management (FFS-GEM) program were awarded their certificates of completion, recognizing their participation in livestock entrepreneurship training.
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New Facility to Strengthen Livestock Biosecurity
The Department of Agriculture will provide P10 million to fund the construction of the animal quarantine facility. The project will rise at the Damascus Compound in Barangay Pulong Sampalok, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, and will have the capacity to accommodate 200 animals.
Governor Fernando highlighted the benefits the facility will bring to the province's livestock industry.
“This facility is a big help not only for our livestock farmers, it will also help our livestock stay healthy and prevent diseases, besides helping with its production,” Fernando said.
Provincial Veterinary Office head Voltaire Basinang explained that imported animals will be brought directly to the quarantine center before entering local farms, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting communities from potential zoonotic diseases.
He also noted that Bulacan, Pampanga, and Aurora are currently the only provinces in Central Luzon equipped with animal quarantine facilities.
Support for Local Livestock Farmers
The event also included the distribution of farm animals such as goats, chickens, and cattle to participating farmers as part of the province's continuing agricultural assistance programs.
According to Governor Fernando, the provincial government has already distributed more than 700 goats and cows to farmers since the initiative began in 2010, helping strengthen livestock production and improve rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, DA-Region 3 said that Bulacan and Tarlac are the only provinces in Region 3 currently implementing the animal distribution program.
The new quarantine facility is expected to further reinforce Bulacan's livestock industry by improving disease prevention and supporting healthier animal production. For farmers, this means better protection for their livelihoods, while consumers benefit from a safer and more secure food supply. Strengthening animal health infrastructure also contributes to the country's broader efforts to safeguard agriculture, prevent disease outbreaks, and promote long-term food security.
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