“Hindi props, but first line of defense ”: OPVet highlights quarantine role in protecting Kalinga livestock against animal diseases

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Leonardo Damian emphasized that personnel assigned to Kalinga’s livestock quarantine facilities are not merely stationed at checkpoints but serve a crucial role in protecting the province from animal diseases that could threaten its livestock industry.

During the flag-raising ceremony on August 17 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Damian addressed concerns that quarantine personnel may simply be serving as “decoration” or “props,” stressing that their presence is essential in monitoring the movement of animals and animal products entering the province.

He said quarantine personnel serve as the first line of defense against animal diseases, helping prevent potentially infected livestock and animal products from entering Kalinga.

According to Damian, disease prevention and control is the primary reason personnel are assigned to quarantine facilities. Their work allows authorities to monitor livestock movement and take measures to prevent the introduction and possible spread of diseases within the province.

“...marami tayong naririnig na yung mga tao sa ating quarantine facilities ay decoration lang, props lang. Kaya po natin nilalagay yung mga tao natin doon, sila po kasi ang first line of defense sa mga papasok na sakit. Yan po yung primary reason, at second reason ay yung ating pangongolekta ng mga buwis. Ang ating mga kasamahan sa quarantine site ay hindi decorations lang,” Damian said.

While revenue collection is also part of the quarantine personnel’s responsibilities, Damian stressed that it is secondary to their disease-prevention function.

He cited the province’s collection performance as an indication that quarantine personnel are also carrying out their revenue-related duties. As of July 2026, more than P2 million had been remitted to the provincial treasury through their operations.

“Yan po yung primary reason, at second reason ay yung ating pangongolekta ng mga buwis. As of July 2026, nakapag-remit na po tayo ng higit P2 million sa treasury, yun po ang ating ginagawa doon at hindi po decoration lang ang ating mga kasamahan diyan,” he explained.

Damian said quarantine stations should therefore be viewed not simply as government facilities but as an important part of the province’s overall animal health and livestock protection system.

The importance of the quarantine system becomes even more significant as Kalinga continues to expand its livestock industry through various national government-funded projects, including chicken, cattle, goat, pig, rabbit, and carabao multiplier farms worth approximately P46 million.

With increasing livestock production and movement within and into the province, effective quarantine monitoring can help reduce the risk of animal diseases reaching local farms, protecting both farmers’ livelihoods and the province’s growing livestock investments.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) continues to monitor livestock movement and strengthen its veterinary and quarantine services as Kalinga expands its agricultural and livestock livelihood programs.

For Damian, the message is clear: the people manning Kalinga’s quarantine checkpoints are not there merely to collect fees or occupy posts—they are there to help keep diseases out and protect the province’s livestock and farmers.