By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet hall along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, two public servants stood with raised hands, ready to take on bigger roles in protecting the food that reaches Filipino tables. The moment marked not just a career milestone, but a renewed commitment to public health and safety.
The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) held an oath-taking ceremony on January 12, 2026, for newly promoted personnel at the NMIS SHE Hall inside the Meat Inspection and Training Development Center building. During the event, Dr. Daizyleen F. Babao and Dr. Marissa P. Isilen formally took their oath as Senior Meat Control Officers before Dr. Roberto S. Umali, Officer-in-Charge and Executive Director of NMIS.
The ceremony highlighted NMIS’s continuing efforts to strengthen its workforce and ensure safe, clean, and properly inspected meat products for consumers nationwide. Meat control officers play a vital role in monitoring slaughterhouses, meat establishments, and transport systems to prevent the spread of food-borne diseases.
Dr. Babao began her career with NMIS in 2023 as a Meat Control Officer I assigned to the Regional Technical Operations Center (RTOC) 12. Through consistent performance and dedication to duty, she was promoted to Meat Control Officer II in 2024. Her latest promotion to Senior Meat Control Officer reflects her growing responsibilities in supervising inspections and enforcing meat safety standards.
Dr. Isilen, on the other hand, joined NMIS in 2024 and was assigned to NMIS RTOC Cordillera Administrative Region as a Meat Control Officer II. Despite being relatively new to the service, she demonstrated strong competence and professionalism, earning her promotion to a senior position within a short period.
NMIS officials said the promotions recognize not only technical skills, but also integrity and commitment to public service. Senior Meat Control Officers are expected to guide junior inspectors, help enforce national regulations, and ensure that meat products sold in markets are safe for consumption.
The NMIS is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture and is tasked with enforcing meat inspection laws across the country. Its work is especially important in preventing diseases such as African swine fever and other illnesses that can affect both animals and humans.
For ordinary consumers, the work of NMIS officers often goes unnoticed. Yet their inspections help ensure that meat sold in wet markets, supermarkets, and restaurants meets health standards. This is crucial for families, food vendors, and businesses that rely on safe meat for daily meals and livelihood.
During the ceremony, NMIS leaders emphasized the importance of professionalism and accountability in public service. They reminded the newly promoted officers that their roles directly affect public trust and food safety.
The agency said it will continue to invest in training and career development to build a strong inspection system nationwide. By recognizing hard work and competence, NMIS hopes to motivate its personnel to uphold high standards in protecting consumers.
As the demand for safe and affordable food continues to grow, NMIS officials said strengthening the inspection service remains a top priority. The promotion of experienced and dedicated officers is seen as a step toward ensuring that safe meat remains accessible to all Filipinos.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News