Mayor Edwin “EdSa’ Santiago and Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin on Friday led a feast of chicken and eggs in a boodle fight during the ‘Kapihan at Talakayan’ in Brgy. Panipuan to promote that it is safe to eat poultry products amid the bird flu crisis.
They were also joined by Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., City Councilors Angie Hizon, BJ Lagman, Reden Halili, Harvey Quiwa, Nelson Lingat and Ruping Dumlao, department heads, Brgy. Panipuan officials headed by Captain Roberto Maglalang and representatives from the Department of Education.
Poultry companies such as Minalin Poultry & Livestock Cooperative and Red Dragon Farm supplied the eggs that were cooked while the local poultry meat dealers and vendors joined the boodle fight.
City Agriculturist Cristina Sangumay said the food served was provided by the meat vendors and dealers from the city’s public markets and private partners like Fresh Options and McDonalds as promotion to the province’s poultry industry.
“Nagcommit sila na ipapakain ng libre ang kani-kanilang mga produkto bilang pakikiisa sa ating kampanya na ligtas kainin ang mga manok at itlog sa ating syudad,” Sangumay said.
During the program, City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino discussed the proper handling and cooking of food highlighting that properly cooked chicken meat and egg is safe for consumption. She also emphasized early consultation at the nearest health centers for patients with Influenza-like Illness. She further advised the on “cough etiquette” and “proper handwashing”.
“No study has shown that the bird flu virus can be transmitted through cooked food. Let us always be mindful of the 5 keys to safer food of the World Health Organization which are (1) keep clean, (2) separate raw and cooked, (3) cook thoroughly, (4) keep food at safe temperatures and (5) use safe water and raw materials, “ she added.
For his part, Mayor EdSa urged the public not to panic over the issue because the local government is taking necessary actions and strict monitoring to ensure the safety of every Fernandino.
“We have regulated the movement of poultry and it’s by products. Tayo din ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa National at Local government at iba pang ahensya para mapanatiling ligtas ang bawat isa at tuluyan ng masugpo ang bird flu,” the city mayor added.
Meanwhile, the city officials also led the blessing and inauguration of the newly completed projects in Brgy. Panipuan which includes the two classroom buildings for high school students and the improvement and concreting of roads in Purok 2 and Purok 7.