By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Local restaurant group, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental (HRANO), recently voiced their support for the ongoing poultry quarantine amid the outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, in Luzon.
HRANO Director Roberto Magalona said the group is closely coordinating with government agencies to ensure the safety of the future supply of poultry products.
He also noted, there have not been any changes in the local consumption volume of chicken and poultry products.
Last Wednesday, the Negros Occidental Provincial Board called on Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) head, Dr. Renante Decena, to attend a hearing next week, regarding measures being taken to prevent the entry of bird flu into the province.
The PVO has since been placed on high alert after the Department of Health (DOH) declared the outbreak in Luzon and have posted quarantine stations at various seaports across the province, as well as airports; along with sending district veterinarians to conduct rounds at various poultry and gamefowl farms in Negros Occidental.
Decena also assured consumers there is an ample supply of poultry meat in the province, even after the Department of Agriculture declared a ban of shipments from Luzon./WDJ