By Kenneth Marcos 
A sense of urgency filled the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) headquarters as staff gathered on November 17, 2025, to mark the opening of the Philippine Antimicrobial Awareness Week (PAAW). The event highlighted the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and NMIS’s active role in keeping Filipino meat safe.
The day began with a lecture by Ms. Alyssa Mae Portes of the Central Meat Laboratory Division. She described AMR as a “silent pandemic,” warning of its rising global impact on public health, food safety, and security. The session stressed how misuse of antibiotics in livestock can accelerate resistance, making common infections harder to treat.
Following the lecture, NMIS unveiled a new Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) pamphlet for hog farmers on antimicrobial resistance and veterinary drug residues. The initiative, led by Ms. Danica Angeline P. Dimaya, RCh., aims to guide farmers in using antibiotics responsibly, ensuring safer meat for consumers.
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture of unity. Employees from NMIS’s Central and Regional Offices nationwide joined in reciting the AMR Pledge and signing the Commitment Wall. The ceremony was led by Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Dr. Roberto S. Umali, Deputy Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Ernst A. Duque, and NMIS Regional Technical Directors, reaffirming their collective dedication to combating AMR.
NMIS emphasized that fighting AMR is part of a broader “One Health” approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health. By promoting responsible antimicrobial use and strict meat safety standards, the agency seeks to protect public health and maintain consumer trust.
Through these activities, NMIS not only raises awareness about antimicrobial resistance but also strengthens its position as a national advocate for safe meat and sustainable livestock practices. The agency calls on farmers, meat handlers, and the public to join the fight against AMR, reinforcing that safe practices today secure health for all tomorrow.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News