Food safety, quality, and food security are inextricably linked.

This is the driving force for the Department of Agriculture to set principles of good practices to ensure that the farming practices of every establishment provide greater confidence in consumers’ expectations that the final products are safe and fit for human consumption as well as ensure animal health and welfare.

In the Caraga region, BryDomz Poultry Farm OPC in Carmen, Agusan del Norte is now certified as compliant with the Philippine National Standards: Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) after passing the DA’s evaluation.

The DA-Caraga Regulatory Division Chief, Johnny M. Concon, together with Supervising Agriculturist Marie Jocelyn C. Santiago, DVM, handed over the GAHP Certificate to Noelyn S. Dominguez and Bryan M. Dominguez, owners of BryDomz Poultry Farm OPC, on October 17 in Butuan City.

Bryan Domiguez said their operation started in 2020 when they partnered with San Miguel Foods Inc. for broiler contract growing.

“Once you partner with a well-known brand, you can get a steady buyer of your products. As we develop business partnerships, we have come to understand the significance of GAHP Certification for both the present and future undertakings in order to continually supply safe and high-quality products to an increasingly demanding market,” he said.

The Regional GAHP Team headed by the DA’s Regulatory Division has been assisting livestock and poultry raisers who are interested in applying for the free certification. In the region, two farms are now GAHP-certified. This includes the VPO Poultry Layer Farm in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

The DA encourages the livestock and poultry farmers and agripreneurs in the Caraga region to take the next step and apply for GAHP Certification. As part of its commitment to helping the industry develop sustainable food safety systems.

Interested applicants may head to the nearest DA Regional Office to hand in their application and documentary requirements. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II, DA-Caraga RAFIS)