Oriental Negros Board Member Marcelo Adanza has proposed an ordinance that would protect the carabao population in the province from indiscriminate trafficking.

The measure seeks to regulate the transport, sale, and disposal of the domestic animal that has always been the farmers' sole help in tilling the land, Adanza said.

He said his proposal is consistent with the provisions of the Philippine Carabao Act of 1992, the Local Government Code of 1991, and the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

The carabao must be protected more than ever because of the rising demand for its meat in the market, he said.

The measure seeks to prohibit the trading of healthy carabaos weighing 160 to 200 kilograms.

People who sell their carabao could only do so after securing clearances and certifications from the punong barangay, city or municipal agriculturist and treasurer.

The measure also requires the presence of police outposts in identified entry and exit points in the province that include the boundaries of Basay-Hinobaan, Mabinay-Bayawan, Mabinay-Kabankalan, Siaton-Zambonaguita, Valencia-Dumaguete, Vallehermoso-San Carlos, Canlaon-San Carlos, Tayasan-Magalona, La Libertad port, Dumaguete pier, San Jose-Tampi port, Tandayag port in Amlan, and Guihulngan and Sibulan ports.

All the areas covered by Oriental Negros and Negros Occidental.*RG

back to top