THE Davao City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) said they aim to strengthen animal welfare during disasters through the utilization of the Sagip Hayop Task Force.
Although it was first created in 2008, the CVO wants to revive and utilize the Sagip Hayop Task Force with more personnel that are trained to care for animals in barangays affected with disasters.
Leah Punzalan, Buhangin District Supervisor of CVO, said there have not been many drastic cases dealt with by the task force but she said they conduct rescues and animal welfare activities in events such as flash floods and other calamities.
"Ang Davao kasi, food animals, farm animals, daghan ta (We have a lot of food animals and farm animals). Dili pud ta kaayo affected sa init (so there are few cases). Unahon nato ang tao syempre but if along the way, naga-save ta og animals, like if naa flash floods (Of course we will prioritize the people but we will also save the animals like for example in flash floods)," Punzalan said during an interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio on June 6.
"Each district naa'y tao. Pag diha muigo ang disaster, mag coordinate sila with the barangay (We have personnel per district and if disaster hits, they will coordinate with the barangays affected). Para mahibalan ang damage pati ang sa animals (So we can see the damage and the affected animals)," Punzalan added, mentioning that the Sagip Hayop Task Force will coordinate with each barangays.
Meanwhile, the CVO continues to distribute its services through its ten district offices in the areas of Agdao, Pobalcion, Buhangin, Bunawan, Paquibato, Marilog, Calinan, Bagiuo, Talomo, and Toril.
Some of its programs are the Veterinary Integrated Barangay Extension Services, Animal Healthcare Management, and Animal Production Centers for the dispersion of animals to aid livelihood. ICM
