By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a training room in Quezon City, veterinarians, health officers, and food safety experts joined forces to strengthen the country’s defense against animal diseases that threaten both livestock and people.
The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) conducted a three-day “One-Health Approach Training Workshop on Disease Response” from October 22 to 24, 2025, at the MITDC Building on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, with hybrid online participation. The event aimed to improve coordination among government agencies in responding to public health emergencies related to animal diseases.
A total of 28 participants from NMIS, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Department of Health (DOH), and various local veterinary offices took part in the workshop. The sessions focused on key topics such as disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, risk communication, and inter-agency cooperation.
NMIS said the initiative strengthens its capacity to quickly detect, assess, and respond to possible disease outbreaks that could affect the meat industry and public health. By following the “One Health” framework — which links the health of people, animals, and the environment — the agency aims to ensure safer meat products and a healthier population.
Experts discussed how diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza highlight the importance of cooperation between human and animal health sectors. Through shared training and joint action plans, agencies can prevent major outbreaks that might disrupt the food supply or cause economic losses in the agriculture sector.
Participants also simulated emergency scenarios to test their response strategies, from early detection to containment and public information. This hands-on approach, according to NMIS, prepares personnel to act faster and more effectively when real health threats occur.
The NMIS emphasized that disease control is not the sole responsibility of the government but also depends on local communities, meat handlers, and consumers practicing safe food handling and reporting suspicious animal deaths or illnesses.
The agency reiterated its commitment to promoting food safety and supporting the country’s goal of achieving a secure and sustainable meat supply for all Filipinos.
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