Amidst the quiet yet steady guidance that helps sustain the livelihoods of many farmers and poultry entrepreneurs in Cagayan Valley, a key partner for the industry is the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 02 (DA RFO 02) Regulatory Division.

Through its regulations, inspections, and health services, it supports a more stable and safer production of broiler chickens and poultry across the region. The division also works alongside the Bureau of Animal Industry, integrated laboratories and partner agencies to ensure that the growth of the poultry industry is anchored on biosecurity, animal health, and compliance; factors that protect both the animals and the overall food supply.

One of the main responsibilities of the Regulatory Division is animal health and biosecurity monitoring. In coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), strict measures are implemented to prevent the spread of disease in poultry farms. Their monitoring focuses on biosecurity violations and on providing timely responses to poultry diseases, ensuring that farm animals are not only kept alive, but that the entire industry is protected from possible outbreaks.

The DA RFO 02 Regulatory Division’s role is not limited to disease control. They also support stronger poultry production through programs aimed at reducing production costs across the poultry sector. To continuously prevent and control illnesses, the DA RFO 02 supports disease prevention initiatives.

One example is facilitating the use of autogenous vaccines against poultry diseases such as Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH). This approach allows solutions to be tailored to specific threats within farms, making responses to disease outbreaks more effective. As part of its public service, the DA RFO 02 Regulatory Division provides technical briefing to farmers, cooperatives and local government units. It conducts orientations and briefings on RA 8485, Animal Welfare Act, RA 1556 or the Feed Control Law, DA AO 08, biosecurity practices, proper disease management, and practical guides that can be applied daily in farm operations.

They also provide technical materials to serve as references especially for small to medium-scale livestock and poultry enterprise who need clear direction to make production safer and more efficient. To make poultry facilities consistent and compliant, the division conducts inspection and certification of animal facilities, including poultry farms. Through this, operators and farmers are given the opportunity to standardize their facilities, ensure proper processes, and comply with guidelines that protect both the animals and consumers.

A major strength of DA RFO 02 is the Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD), which is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. Because of this, the laboratory has the capability to conduct diagnostic and testing services essential for ensuring animal health and food safety In the poultry industry, accurate and timely information about disease is critical. With testing support, decisions for prevention and response become faster and more accurate.

All interventions by the DA RFO 02 Regulatory Division, from biosecurity monitoring, vaccine and disease management, inspection and certification, and training, to laboratory services and movement control share one goal: to increase production, improve safety, and strengthen the competitiveness of the poultry industry in Cagayan Valley.

For every farm that becomes compliant, for every laboratory result that provides clear answers, and for every training that equips farmers with the tools they need, the message of DA RFO 02 becomes clearer: progress in agriculture is built on proper regulations and genuine public service.

Via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez