“Support vets, support farmers” — BM Amla backs aid for regional veterinary convention

“Importante ti trabaho dagiti veterinary professionals ta adda kontribusyon da iti panangsalaknib iti animal health ken livestock production. No nasalun-at dagiti animal tayo, makatulong met dayta iti agriculture sector.” - Kalinga Board Member Julius Glenn Amla

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Supporting veterinary professionals means supporting farmers and strengthening Kalinga’s agriculture sector, according to Board Member Julius “Glenn” Amla, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Agriculture.

Amla made the statement as the provincial board extended financial support to the 2nd Cordillera Administrative Region Annual Veterinary Convention and Scientific Conference, which will be held in Tabuk City from November 18 to 20.

“Kasapulan tayo nga suportaran dagiti veterinary professionals ta importante ti trabaho da iti agriculture sektor ti Kalinga,” Amla said.

For Amla, the assistance is not simply about helping fund a professional gathering. He said veterinary professionals play an important role in protecting animal health and sustaining livestock production—areas that directly affect the livelihood of farmers.

He explained that when animals are healthy, farmers engaged in livestock production are better able to maintain their livelihood and contribute to agricultural production.

“Importante ti trabaho dagiti veterinary professionals ta adda kontribusyon da iti panangsalaknib iti animal health ken livestock production. No nasalun-at dagiti animal tayo, makatulong met dayta iti agriculture sector,” he said.

Amla added that supporting veterinary professionals ultimately translates into support for farmers because animal health concerns must be properly addressed to sustain livestock production.

“No suportaran tayo dagiti veterinary professionals, makatulong tayo met iti farmers ken iti agriculture sector gapu ta importanteng maasikaso dagiti animal health concerns,” he said.

The Kalinga Veterinary Medical Practitioner Association (KVMPA) sought assistance from the provincial board for meals and snacks for around 150 participants expected to attend the three-day regional gathering.

In its Oct. 5 letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the association requested assistance amounting to ₱224,100 to cover three lunches and six heavy snacks during the convention.

During the Oct. 6 SP session, KVMPA representative Dr. Ruth Ann S. Dunwan personally appealed for support, particularly from the committees on agriculture, tourism and environment.

Following the appeal, the SP members and Presiding Officer Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem agreed to provide ₱3,000 each, subject to the availability of funds and applicable office allocations. The combined assistance from the 14 board members and Odiem amounts to ₱45,000.

The convention, themed “MANCHATCHATONG: ONE HEALTH FOR ALL – Strengthening the Human–Animal–Environment Connection,” will gather veterinary professionals, students, government representatives, academicians and other stakeholders from the Cordillera and neighboring areas.

For Amla, the gathering also provides an opportunity to strengthen the veterinary profession, whose work extends beyond animal care to the broader welfare of farmers and the agriculture sector.