Abra-based lawmakers have filed a measure that would institutionalize the establishment of veterinary clinics in every local government unit (LGU) in the country, with the end goal of curbing deadly animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF).

Filed by Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos and his spouse, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos, was House Bill (HB) No. 5059, or the Animal Medical Center Bill.

According to Rep. JB Bernos, their proposal stems from their province’s experience with ASF.

“Matagal nang problema ang ASF hindi lang sa Abra, kundi sa buong bansa (ASF has long been a problem not just of Abra, but the entire country). We believe that with a properly equipped veterinary clinic in every municipality we can help farmers and livestock raisers prevent the loss of their livelihood through timely and affordable, if not free, interventions,” he said.

He regretted that while the Local Government Code provided for the creation of the positions of Provincial and City Veterinarian, no provision specifies the designation of a municipal veterinarian.

The law also does not require the creation of a veterinary clinic or center, let alone an explicit mention that the provincial and city veterinarians will lead clinics or centers, Bernos added.

“Thus, issues that could have been addressed at the grassroots level instead worsen until they become full-blown health and agricultural crises,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ching Bernos said that public veterinary clinics could play a crucial role in ensuring safer, well-balanced communities.

“Establishing these clinics is in recognition of the fact that animals are a part of human community. Be it as pets or as part of the agricultural economy, our way of life and welfare is tied with animals, and to take proper care of them is to ensure that we are also looking after our own interests,” she said.

According to the party-list solon, the creation of local veterinary clinics should no longer be optional.

Under the Bernoses' proposal, the clinics would provide various services including veterinary consultations, animal vaccinations, disease diagnosis, treatment, and minor surgical procedures; technical assistance and health management programs for farmers and livestock raisers; and education on responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals. The clinics would also serve as a hub for disease monitoring, outbreak response, and vaccination drives.

The clinics would also conduct routine vaccinations (e.g., anti-rabies, distemper) and deworming services; spay and neuter programs for pet population control; maintain a database of registered pets and vaccinated animals within the LGU's jurisdiction; and coordinate with local animal welfare organizations and law enforcement for animal rescue and cruelty cases.