WHEREAS, Artificial Insemination (AI) is a simple technology of promoting genetic improvement;

WHEREAS, AI technology in swine has been accepted in many areas of the country and is a contributing factor in the growth of the swine industry;

WHEREAS, while recognizing its importance in genetic improvement, AI ™s role in disease transmission should also be reviewed in the light of emerging swine diseases;

WHEREAS, the losses encountered brought about by a typical Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and the detection of Ebola Reston (ER) virus in pigs in two farms in Pangasinan and Bulacan necessitates immediate control measures;

WHEREAS, based on scientific studies, ER and PRRS and other reproductive diseases can be transmitted through unchecked, uncertified semen and poor AI techniques;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARTHUR C. YAP , Secretary of the Department o f Agriculture, in accordance with the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this Administrative Order for the registration and accreditation of Swine AI Centers and AI Service Providers in the Philippines and directs the Bureau of Animal Industry to:

1. Formulate, in close consultation with stakeholders, a registration and accreditation system for swine AI Centers and Providers;

2 . Conduct workshops, consultative meetings and dialogue with swine stakeholders such as National Federation of Hog Raisers Incorporated (NFHRInc), Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP) and Local Government Units (LGUs);

3. Create a Technical Working Group if necessary, to facilitate the drafting of the guidelines and support program to strengthen the AI program;

4. Submit within three (3) months upon signing of this Administrative Order, a report and the draft of implementing rules and guidelines for approval.

All expenses incurred in the conduct of activities in compliance with this A.O. including honoraria of resource persons shall be charged against BAI ™s budget on Special Projects subject to the usual accounting and auditing regulations.

This A.O. shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 16 Jan. 2009

Approved:
(SGD.) ATTY. ARTHUR C. YAP
Secretary

Recommending Approval:

(SGD.) D AVINIO P. C ATBAGAN, DVM
Office r-in-Charge
Bureau of Animal Industry