By Manny Piñol
Over the last few weeks, following the strict implementation of Quarantine Rules against the entry of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, meat and meat products, friends of President Rody Duterte and mine as well, have asked for consideration so that they could pass through Quarantine Officers.
We are begging for your understanding because we could not exempt anybody from the rule that these products could not enter the country without the needed sanitary permits.
Alam ko marami ang magtatampo but I hope you will understand the dangers that your acts could inflict on Philippine Agriculture.
Right now, there is the African Swine Fever that threatens the country’s hog industry and we have to institute strict Quarantine Protocols.
Let me just remind you of the implications if we become complacent or if we accomodate
requests for exemptions.
The Philippine Banana Industry now is facing a serious problem because of Fusarium or Panama Disease.
As the name suggests, the disease originated from another country.
How do you think it got here? That is a result of the complacency of Quarantine Officers in the past.
Nakikiusap po kami sa mga kaibigan na tulungan nyo kami.
I value your friendship at ayaw ko na magtampo kayo.
Please don’t bring in the above-mentioned products without first securing the needed sanitary permits.
Salamat po at pasensya na!
(Photos downloaded from public websites show DA Quarantine Officers checking goods at the international airport)
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