02/07/2026
โซ๏ธBAI VQS โ III 2ND STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING HIGHLIGHTSโซ๏ธ
Nearly 100 stakeholders, composed of shippers, traders, poultry and livestock farms, meat processors, and other partners in the animal industry, gathered for the 2nd Veterinary Quarantine Station โ Region III (VQS III) Stakeholders' Meeting on June 29, 2026, at The Orchid Gardens Resort Complex, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The activity formally opened with welcome remarks from VQS III Head Dr. Francis G. Dimalanta, who emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and working together in improving veterinary quarantine services.
The meeting served as a continuing platform for collaboration and information sharing between the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and its stakeholders. Participants received updates on the status and implementation of the Online Local Shipping Permit Issuance System (OLSPIS), documentary requirements, veterinary quarantine functions, and key policies governing the local transport of live animals, animal products, and animal by-products.
Discussions highlighted Memorandum Circular No. 26, Series of 2017, which provides the guidelines on the issuance of shipping permits for the local transport of live animals, animal products, and animal by-products. The policy clarifies that BAI has jurisdiction over intraregional, interregional, and inter-island movements, while the intraprovincial movement of live animals, animal products, and animal by-products is under the jurisdiction of the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs). Participants were likewise updated on Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2019, which prescribes the guidelines on the local transport/shipment of animals, animal products, and animal by-products, and Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 13, Series of 2025, which amended selected provisions of DA Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2019 to streamline and harmonize animal health requirements for transport, as well as farm and hatchery accreditation requirements nationwide.
The updates were presented by Veterinary Quarantine Officers and Inspectors Dr. Jennifer L. Maravilla, Dr. Karla Jessica A. Dela Cruz, Dr. John Patrick Corrales, Mr. Jesus Q. Canda I, and Mr. Kember M. Miranda.
During the open forum, stakeholders raised operational concerns and sought clarification on existing policies. Among the matters discussed was the approval schedule for Online Local Shipping Permit (OLSP) applications during 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Participants were informed that VQS III continues to implement a two-shift approval system to extend services beyond regular office hours despite current manpower limitations. Stakeholders were likewise updated that the implementation of the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA) is expected to support the strengthening of veterinary quarantine implementation and manpower as the transition progresses.
Another concern raised was the delay in securing the required concurrence for Veterinary Health Certificates (VHCs) from the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) or Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices (DA RFOs) during weekends, holidays, or outside regular office hours. Participants were also informed that the pilot testing of the electronic Veterinary Health Certificate (eVHC) system will soon commence to help streamline the concurrence process and improve service delivery.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Sheila M. Cabrera, VQS III Next-in-Rank, who thanked the participants for their active participation and valuable feedback. She encouraged stakeholders to continue participating in the quarterly stakeholders' meetings and shared that the next meeting will provide updates on the pilot testing of the electronic Veterinary Health Certificate (eVHC).
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OLSP is only one of the many essential services provided by VQS III in support of border control. VQS III also conducts veterinary quarantine inspections, seaport and airport operations, commodity clearance, and other regulatory functions in accordance with DA and BAI policies to facilitate the safe movement of live animals, animal products, and animal by-products while safeguarding animal and public health.
