A shelter for animals in times of bad weather will rise in Barangay Sagigi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Provincial veterinarian Loida Valenzuela said Monday the proposed shelter project will secure animals and ensure the protection of farmers’ livelihood.

“The animal shelter is a basic service for animals to keep them safe during bad weather,” Valenzuela said in an interview.

Funded by the Ilocos Norte government, the animal shelter will become the fifth in the province after those in the towns of Dingras, Solsona, Currimao, and Badoc.

Last week, a usufruct agreement between the Ilocos Norte government, represented by Governor Matthew Manotoc, and the lot owner, Benjie Andres, was signed to jumpstart the project.

The agreement states the lot owner will allow the use of a portion of the more than 5,800-square-meter private lot for the construction of the emergency animal shelter.

During the deliberations on Monday, resolution sponsor and Provincial Board member Saul Paolo Lazo vouched that “the area is suitable for an animal shelter project.”

It will be the first shelter to be erected under the 2020 agreement among the governor and mayors from 21 towns and two cities to establish and construct animal shelters.

Initially, Ilocos Norte set aside PHP8.7 million from its tobacco excise tax share for the establishment of animal shelters to house farm animals and other livestock in case of impending natural calamities such as typhoons and floods.

Animal feeds, water, and vitamins will be available in the shelters courtesy of the Provincial Veterinary Office.

To help farmers cope with losses due to natural calamities, the Department of Agriculture and the provincial government will provide livelihood assistance.

Part of the provincial government’s recovery programs is the provision of animal and livestock dispersal to affected individuals. (PNA)