MALOLOS CITY, Philippines - Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado announced Tuesday that the procurement of new equipment to detect livestock-related diseases in Bulacan will be explored to save, protect, and boost the local swine industry which has been hit by controversy over the proliferation of double-dead meat. Bulacan was identified by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) as one of the seven provinces where hot meat was observed. Others are Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna and Rizal. "We hope to procure sophisticate equipment to immediately address the livestock and even poultry related diseases so we do not have to consume much time in bringing the specimens abroad for laboratory tests, in case another related incident occurs," said Alvarado. Speaking at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, Alvarado said this concern will be among the issues to be discussed in the Stakeholders' Meeting slated Wednesday at the Hiyas Pavilion in this City. Alvarado added that the time interval from detection of diseases and testing of specimen often takes a while compromising the image and interest of this major industry in the province.
The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) reported that about 250 stakeholders including Hog Raisers Association, Meat Inspectors, Market Masters, Slaughter House Supervisors, PNP Chief and Mayors of the 21 municipalities and three cities of the province are expected to actively participate in the said meeting. Aside from investing on equipment, the governor said, the meeting will also deal on the issue of hot meat or "botcha" in the different public markets not only in the province but also in the national capital region. "We will discuss the matter with local hog raisers and other stakeholders on Wednesday because we are duty bound to protect the industry and consumers alike," Alvarado said.