Capitol Hosts 2nd BAHA Congress
For their dedication and effort in monitoring animals and livestock, a total of 694 barangay animal health aides (BAHA) received their cash incentives during the 2nd BAHA Provincial Congress at the Capitol Social Hall on Monday, Dec. 10.
They were among the first batch in mainland Cebu to receive cash incentives this year intended for barangay workers distributed by the Cebu Provincial Government.
Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III led the distribution of the cash incentives and BAHA kits, and the recognition of BAHA associations and members.
The activity was organized by the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy.
In his speech, Davide said that the event was special for all the BAHAs because aside from the cash incentives, new knowledge were imparted by the different resource speakers and experts to them.
“Hinaot nga nalipay kamo sa gibuhat sa inyong Provincial Government ug hinaot pud nga inyong pagtuo ug pagsalig kanamo ni Vice Gov. Magpale, sa entiro pangagamhanan sa atong lalawigan, magpabiling dili mokunhod ug magpabilin nga lig-on ug hugot kay mao ra gyud na akong gitan-aw gyud ang welfare sa tanang mga kaigsuonan nato sa atong lalawigan. Among gipaningkamotan gyud nga ang tanang serbisyo mahatod diha kaninyo,” said Davide.
The governor shared that he is cognizant of the hardships and sacrifices that the BAHAs encountered in their barangays, that is why the Provincial Government, through the PVO, is looking at their welfare.
“Di lalim ang inyong trabaho kay usa gyud sa inyong mga principal nga trabaho diha mao ang pagmonitor sa mga kahayupan, livestock sa kabarangayan, sa mga sakit. Mao na nga you are also vulnerable to diseases kay kamo may direkta gyud ug in contact sa livestock but I know you are taking precautions,” Davide said.
According to Magpale, it is important to have BAHAs because they are the ones who take over the work of the veterinarian in case the latter is not available.
Through the gathering, she said it will update the BAHA’s knowledge and skills.
Vincoy presented to Davide the BAHA Federation Resolution 001-2018, which sought for technical and logistics support from the Capitol.
It was then followed with the distribution of incentives and BAHA kits.
Each BAHA received P2,400 cash from the Provincial Government.
A plaque of recognition was given to each of the BAHA awardees.
The awardees were Isagani Cimafranca of Sibonga (Best BAHA for Swine Production), Jose Lada of Sibonga (Best BAHA for Native Chicken Production), Rolly Masong of Bogo City (Best BAHA for Goat Production), Cornelio Monleon of Tabogon (Best BAHA for Poultry Layer Production), Ronie Talisic of Liloan (Best BAHA for Beef Cattle Production), Rodulfo Sabas of Compostela (Best BAHA for Dairy Carabao Production), Jayrovic Vicoy of Consolacion (Best BAHA for Dairy Cattle Production), Isaac Cambalon of Dumanjug (Best BAHA for Draft Carabao Production) and Isidro Batayola of Bantayan (Best BAHA for Forage Production).
For the best BAHA association, the third place was San Remigio BAHA, second place was Liloan BAHA, and the champion was Sibonga BAHA.
Lourdes Pagar of Sibonga was named as the best municipal livestock coordinator.
Other officials who were present during the event were Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Director Dr. Ronnie R. Domingo, Dr. Rene Santiago of BAI, Provincial Board Members Celestino Martinez III and Yolanda Daan, Sibonga Mayor Caroline Bacaltos and San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez.
In his message, Domingo said it is important to strengthen the BAHA because they can help and support the community who makes livestock for a living.
Through the support of BAHAs, he said livestock supply can address the issue of national food security and export products to other countries that are facing problem on meat supply.
“BAHA ang tutulong upang mapaganda ang paghahayupan,” said Domingo.
In the afternoon session, a technical presentation on native pig production and health was presented by Santiago.
Other speakers were Marianito Doydora of Department of Agriculture 7 for native chicken production, Dr. Kelvin Dela Cruz Joaquin of Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company for economic impact of swine diseases and Dr. Joanna Dino-Dorado of Pilmico Foods Corporation for the effects of feed enhancers to animals. (Cebu Provincial Gov’t)
