TACLOBAN CITY- In response to the recent confirmation of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in a breeding farm in Kananga, Leyte, Mayor Ramon C. Oñate of Palompon, Leyte, has issued an executive order outlining stringent guidelines for the entry of live domestic and wild birds into the municipality. This executive order also establishes a municipal avian influenza (AI) task force to ensure the strict implementation of preventive measures.
Signed following an official statement by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Mayor Oñate’s Executive Order No. 11 series of 2024 cites constitutional obligations and legal frameworks empowering local authorities to safeguard public health and agricultural sustainability. Drawing on Article 2, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, Mayor Oñate underscores the state’s duty to protect citizens’ health and empower local executives to undertake necessary measures for health and safety.
The executive order incorporates directives from previous government issuances, including Executive Order No. 280 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2004-36, which designate specific responsibilities to prevent the entry and spread of avian influenza. It mandates the creation of a municipal AI task force, chaired by Mayor Oñate, to supervise the implementation of an Avian Influenza Preparedness and Contingency Plan (AIPCP).
Under the executive order’s provisions, a total ban on the entry of all live domestic and wild birds into Palompon is imposed, with exceptions subject to stringent requirements such as veterinary health certificates and certifications of disease-free status. Cockfighting activities are permitted under certain conditions, including barring game fowls from outside the municipality and restricting local fowls from engaging in cockfighting elsewhere.
Moreover, biosecurity measures are outlined to confine domestic poultry, conduct regular surveillance, and implement disinfection protocols at transportation terminals and checkpoints. The municipal AI task force is tasked with policy direction, surveillance, quarantine, information dissemination, and policy review through specialized technical support teams.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, barangay-level AI committees and task forces are mandated, with funding sourced from the Local Government Unit of Palompon.
In conjunction with the executive order, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other relevant agencies are called upon to intensify border patrols and security measures.
The municipal AI task force, alongside technical support teams, is directed to convene regularly and take immediate action as necessary, with a secretariat facilitating coordination and documentation of activities. Mayor Oñate’s decisive action underscores the municipality’s commitment to proactively address public health threats and protect its agricultural industry and residents from the potential risks associated with avian influenza.
As disclosed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), one of the owners of the said poultry farm hit by Avian Influenza was Leyte 4th District Congressman Richard Gomez, along with his daughter, Juliana Marie Beatriz T. Gomez.
Palompon is one of the municipalities in the 4th district of Leyte, where Gomez serves as the representative.