CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- President Rodrigo Duterte underscored on Monday, August 28, the resiliency of Kapampangans in overcoming the avian influenza outbreak that struck the province recently.
In his speech during his visit in the city, Duterte lauded the cooperation and coordination of the local government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) operations to clear the virus in their jurisdiction.
“I have no doubt on the resiliency of Pampangeños. Walang masyadong reklamo. Tumulong pa para masugpo agad ang virus (There wasn’t much complaint. They helped in containing the virus right away),” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Pampanga and all Kapampangans for their cooperation in the isolation and quarantine measures that were implemented to contain the virus.
He stressed that without the locals' support, the virus will not be easily be suppressed as it had been today.
The culling and depopulation of 421,132 fowls in San Luis town and nearby municipalities within the seven-kilometer controlled area only took some 20 days.
Based on the report of the Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Provincial Government provided different assistance and augmentation to the DA’s operations such as deployment of medical staff for vaccination of farm workers and residents near the area.
Two backhoe loaders were also mobilized by the Provincial Government for the excavation of burial pits for the culled fowls, while cash assistance were likewise given for the food of deployed Philippine Army personnel.
Pineda also conducted coordination meetings with affected poultry owners and local government units during the height of the crisis to update and assure them of assistance from the Provincial and National Governments.
“I am grateful to the local officials and the people of the province of Pampanga for the solidarity and support in quickly stamping out the avian flu virus in the affected areas,” Duterte said.
After his speech, Duterte joined local officials of Pampanga in a boodle fight of chicken and eggs to prove that poultry products from Pampanga are safe for consumption.
Some of the food that was served in the boodle fight were fried chicken, chicken adobo, hard boiled eggs and “balut” placed over banana leaves on a long table.
Joining Duterte in the boodle fight were representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Governor Pineda, Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda and all mayors in Pampanga.
