LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The province of Sorsogon has recently opened three new facilities that will serve as a one-stop-shop for animal care and welfare.
Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero said that the newly inaugurated Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Animal Shelter Building (ASB) and the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) are housed in one compound at Brgy. Cogon, Juban town that offers services to animal lovers and their pets such as diagnostic tests, pharmacy, African Swine Fever (ASF) laboratory test, surgery, animal shelter and isolation, and consultation.
He said that opening of these facilities is a commitment of the provincial government in strengthening the animal care in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.
“Kaisa ang Sorsogon na naglalayong protektahan ang mga karapatan ng mga hayop alinsunod sa Republic Act 8484 o ang Animals Welfare Act of 1998 at RA 10631 na nag-amyenda ng ilang seksyon ng orihinal na batas,” Escudero said in his speech during the inauguration on January 28.
When still the representative of Sorsogon in 1998 and senator in 2013, Escudero supported the passage of both laws, when amendments were introduced via Republic Act 10631.
He emphasized that the new facilities will not only benefit abandoned dogs and cats, but also farm and work animals.
“I thank my team in the provincial government for completing this undertaking at the soonest possible time. Siempre, pagpapasalamat rin sa aking asawa, na kasalukuyang Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) spokesperson sa bansa, dahil sa kanyang todong pagsuporta sa nasabing proyekto and for agreeing to be one of its patrons,” Escudero added.
He narrated that it is a public knowledge that he and wife, celebrity and brand ambassador Heart Evangelista, are proud owners of several “asong Pinoy” (Aspin) and “pusang Pinoy” (Puspins) that is why this project is something close to their hearts.