The government has approved the utilization of the Quick Reaction Fund of the Agriculture Department for the emergency procurement of 20 units of X-ray machines that will be deployed in all international airports of the country to check agricultural products, especially meat brought in by passengers.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III endorsed the proposal, citing the need for the country to protect its borders from plant and animal diseases, notably the African Swine Fever, which is destroying the hog industry of many countries.
Dominguez also approved the installation of the meat and agri X-ray machines in customs areas in all airports to monitor all hand-carried and checked-in baggages of incoming passengers, especially those coming from ASF-affected countries.
The Philippine quarantine laws prohibit the entry of meat, fisheries and horticulture products, including planting materials, not covered by sanitary and phytosanitary permits issued by both the BAI and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
