More than 800 Barangay Animal Health Aides (BAHAs) from across Cebu gathered Tuesday for the province-wide BAHA Congress 2026, marking the return of the event after a seven-year hiatus.
Held at the IEC Convention Center, the congress brought together animal health workers from various local government units (LGUs) for technical discussions, recognition and fellowship.
The gathering also served as a reunion for BAHAs who continued providing animal health services in their respective barangays despite the absence of a province-wide congress in recent years.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro recognized the workers for continuing their duties despite having limited opportunities to gather as a province-wide group.
“Bisan wala mo nagkatigom sulod sa pito ka tuig, wala man mo nihunong sa inyong serbisyo,” Baricuatro said.
She said she wants the congress to become a regular event where BAHAs can exchange experiences and strengthen their skills in addressing animal health concerns in their communities.
“Ganahan sad ko yearly na ni, kay kani para gyud ni ninyo,” she said.
BAHAs serve as frontline animal health workers in communities, assisting farmers and livestock raisers with vaccination, deworming, animal monitoring and disease prevention.
Their work is particularly important in barangays where families depend on livestock and poultry for food and income.
Baricuatro said protecting animal health also protects the livelihood of farmers and helps prevent economic losses caused by disease outbreaks.
“So when you protect an animal, you are also protecting someone’s livelihood. When you prevent disease from spreading, you are protecting an entire community,” she said.
The governor also highlighted the role of BAHAs in supporting food security by helping detect potential disease outbreaks, promoting proper animal care and biosecurity, and assisting in vaccination and rabies prevention.
The congress featured lectures aimed at improving the knowledge and capabilities of BAHAs in protecting Cebu’s livestock and poultry sector.
BAHA associations from various LGUs were also recognized for their contributions to animal health and agricultural development in their communities.
The event included the oath-taking of officers of BAHA associations, reinforcing efforts to improve coordination among animal health workers across the province.
Participants also received 10 kilos of rice each, while organizers held raffle activities during the gathering.
The Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Veterinary Office, organized the congress to support and recognize the BAHAs working in communities.
Baricuatro also announced the restoration of a P10,000 retirement benefit for BAHAs, which she said had been discontinued for seven years.
“Mao na akong balikon ang nawala sa pito ka tuig nga alang sa tanan mu-retire, aduna mo’y ₱10,000 nga madawat gikan sa probinsya isip pasalamat sa inyong serbisyo,” she said.
Baricuatro said the congress represented the province’s recognition of BAHAs who continue to protect animals and support farmers and communities.
She urged the workers to remain committed to their duties.
“Padayon ta sa pag-atiman. Padayon ta sa pagpanalipod. Padayon ta sa pagserbisyo,” the governor said.
Photo by SBA
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