05/08/2026
The NMIS Regional Technical Operation Center (RTOC VI) culminated the twenty-day training of nineteen (19) LGU Meat Inspectors (MIO) who completed the 16th Basic Meat Inspection Course (BMIC) on July 31, 2025 held at the NMIS Conference Room, BAI Compound, Doña Pepita Aquino Avenue, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City.
Graduates from various LGUs across Region VI were recognized for their commitment and perseverance throughout the training, which combines both theoretical learning and hands-on practice, designed to enhance the competence and professionalism of meat inspectors nationwide.
Dr. Rogelio P. Noble, Jr., Supervising Meat Control Officer, on his welcome remarks commended the participants for completing the lectures, discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations, and examinations preparing them for the important work of meat inspection.
Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc, OIC, Executive Director emphasized that completing the Basic Meat Inspection Course is both an opportunity and a challenge. He encouraged the graduates to maximize the knowledge they had acquired and challenged them to become agents of positive change by strengthening meat inspection services, food safety, and regulatory compliance in their respective local government units.
Dr. April B. Chavez, OIC, Regional Technical Director of NMIS RTOC VI, urged the graduates to apply their training and thanked NMIS leaders Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc, Dr. Roberto S. Umali for their support. She also thanked Ms. Marneth Y. Villanueva, from MSDCPD who facilitated the final examination and Dr. Sittie Maleah Fatima M. Macog-Hassan, MSDCPD Head and the resource speakers from government and the meat industry for their vital support to the program’s success.
"We look forward to continuing to work with you in advancing our meat safety programs. Through your support, we can further strengthen our meat safety advocacy, provide technical assistance to improve your slaughterhouses, help ensure the proper implementation of meat vending regulations in your public markets, and collaborate on many other initiatives that promote meat safety and protect public health", says Dr. Chavez.
The ceremony also recognized the participants who demonstrated outstanding academic and practical performance throughout the course. Ms. Ana Marie B. Pulmones of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Iloilo was awarded Top 1 Outstanding Participant, followed by Ms. Shelamie A. Estebal of LGU Batad, Iloilo as Top 2 Outstanding Participant, and Ms. Sarah Jane S. Hembra of LGU Santa Barbara, Iloilo as Top 3 Outstanding Participant.
Ms. Jenny Lee Cambe, RTOC VI-Training Focal in her message remarked that as your batch name GAICA, which also represents each province of Western Visayas- Guimaras, Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz and Antique; that they would hold the line across the region to promote and advocate for safe and quality meat to the consuming public. And to uphold honestly and integrity in the daily conduct of work in meat inspection.
Congratulations to the 16th BMIC graduates, the Batch "G-A-I-C-A" (Guardians of Animals Inspection, Compliance and Assurance). This milestone marks both the completion of your training and the start of your crucial role in safeguarding meat safety and public health.