CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO-Avian Influenza (AI) also known as Bird Flu is a viral infection that is spread from bird to bird. In order to control and prevent the spread of AI, the Reguratory-Livestock team of the Department of Agriculture (DA) MiMaRoPa spearheaded a trainor’s training on Avian Influenza Task Force.
The main objective of the training is to equip the agencies with enough knowledge concerning AI. The participants are also gathered to create an AI Task Force that will be responsible in surveillance and prevention of Avian Influenza in the country.
Along with DA-MiMaRoPa’s selected personnel, other participants are representatives from State Universities like Oriental Mindoro State College and Romblon State University, Department of Health, Department of Education and Philippine National Police. Fifty (50) participants are present during the activity.
The discussions started with an Overview and Protocols of Incident Command System presented by Ms. Aiza Siason and Ms. Rowena Sanz of the Office of Civil Defense. The speakers also explained ICS definition, structure, features, guidelines and functions.
Dr. Anthony Bucad from Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) discussed AI Situation Updates in the Philippines. He have enumerated the outbreaks that happened in the country and the municipalities that have received AI Clearance Certificate awards. Afterwards, he talked about the Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) wherein he discussed the importance of creating a Regional Avian Influenza Task Force (RAITF). He mentioned that RAITF is the group responsible in the preparation and prevention for an AI Outbreak.
An AI Tabletop Simulation Exercise conducted by Dr. Jose Eduardo David, also from BAI. The exercise aims to check the preparedness of the participants in different scenarios regarding AI. He divided the team into four (4) groups and they need to act promptly in the different scenarios provided. After the exercise, Dr. David shared his experience on the recent AI outbreak in Region III. He have shared the steps made in order to control the incident.
Lastly, an initial meeting on the creation of the Regional AI Task Force was made. Unfortunately, the RAITF was not formed due to incomplete attendance of the needed agencies in order to complete the task force. The participants also decided that the Regional Development Council should finalize the creation of task force. The participants agreed that the Regional Directors of the different agencies concerned would meet to create and finalize the RAITF.
The Trainor’s Training on Avian Influenza Task Force happened last June 27-29, 2018 in Vencios Garden and Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
