The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol has requested local government units in Catanduanes to permit the passage of agricultural and food products as well as agricultural inputs and equipment to ensure that the people will have access to safe and affordable food.
DA Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla said those that need to be allowed entry at checkpoints include food products like palay, rice, vegetables, eggs, and poultry; inputs such as food ingredients, seeds, feeds, fertilizers. veterinary medicines and biologics; disinfectants, farm machineries and equipment including those for cold storage and processing.
The transport of such food products will follow procedures on Food Lane Accreditation while those of live poultry, livestock and its products will comply with protocols of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), aside from the food lane requirements, he stated.
Under the food resiliency protocols, food lanes will be identified while quarantine measured for the movement of food and other agricultural products will be implemented.
A Food Lane Conduct Pass will be issued to all vehicles carrying essential food commodities, agri-fishery products, and inputs which will be allowed passage through the food lanes.
Truckers, logistics and cargo operators will have to secure accreditation from the DA regional office.
They have to submit scanned copies of the Official Receipt of Registration, Certificate of Registration and Business Permit and duly accomplished Foodlane Accreditation Application form, Foodlane Reference Form, and Statement of Commitment.
Livestock, poultry, and by-products have to present its handler’s license and accreditation of transport carriers issued by BAI and accreditation of meat transport vehicles from NMIS.