Republic ofthe Philippines DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Offico of the Secretary Eliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines Tax Identification Number: 000-845-895 October 23, 2017 MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. Series of 2017 SUBJECT: ISSUANCE OF SHIPPING PERMIT FOR THE LOCAL TRANSPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS, ANIMAL PRODUCTS AND ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS WHEREAS, the Bureau of Animal Industry - National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division (BAI-NVQSD) is mandated to maintain and operate quarantine stations throughout the country pursuant to Act No. 3639, particularly Section 5 thereof adopting Sections 1764 and 1765 of ‘Act No, 2711 (Administrative Code of 1917) which allows the maintenance and operation of quarantine stations nationwide and prohibits the transport or shipment of animals from disease affected areas without BAI inspection and permit; in order to prevent the entry of exotic diseases and the spread of endemic diseases in the country; WHEREAS, the BAI-NVQSD is authorized under Section 26 (1) of Executive Order No. 338, s. 2001 to establish veterinary quarantine inspection system relative to the inter-regional and international movement of animals, and animal products including documentation and issuance of permit and commodity clearance in relation hereto; and to recommend specific policies and procedures governing the flow, handling, and transport of livestock/poultry and livestock/poultry products; WHEREAS, Executive Order 366 otherwise known as the BAI Rationalization Plan, further stipulated the transfer of all veterinary quarantine functions and stations under the DA Regional Field Offices to recently institutionalized NVQSD in order to implement direct control, supervision and administration of veterinary quarantine activities and services at the national and regional borders. Moreover, the concept of centralized handling and issuance of Shipping Permit by the NVQSD is anchored on accountability, reliability and efficiency. The NVQSD being a national agency, is functionally independent thus impervious to any pressure or influence in preventing the transport of diseased or suspected animals, animal products and by-products in and out of a local territory; WHEREAS, the Local Shipping Permit Issuance System is a tool utilized for traceability and as a measure in terms of animal disease control, surveillance and in the implementation of food safety. With accurate movement records, the government is able to identify and contain disease-exposed animals, animal products and by-products more quickly which reduces the risk of disease spread; NOW THEREFORE, I, EMMANUEL F. PINOL, Secretary of Agriculture, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby re-affirm the legal authority of the BAI-NVQSD to issue Local Shipping Permit; and that Shipping Permit shall remain a mandatory requirement for the local transport/shipment of live animals, animal products and by-products, within and between regions and island provinces/regions in the country. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately until revoked in writing. All orders and memorande'fficonsistent herewith are deemed revoked. EMMANUEL X. PINOL Secretary ‘ui or Sale 447-0006 act 108017 O18 Pt