THE Cebu City Government will adopt the latest executive order (EO) issued by the Cebu Provincial Government that prohibits the entry of live poultry and wild birds coming from Luzon and Mindanao amid the threat of bird flu.Mayor Michael Rama said on Thursday, April 21, 2022, that the adoption of the policy is for the betterment of the entire Cebu Island.“If that would be good for all, then why should we do another one (EO)? “ said Rama.Last March 7, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued EO 9 that bans the importation of live poultry, wild birds, including day-old chicks, semen, fresh eggs, embryonated eggs, fertilizer and other poultry products from Luzon for 45 days due to the threat of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 or bird flu, effective March 8.The same EO was also adopted by Rama who cited the same reason, “one island.”The jurisdiction of the Cebu Provincial Government excludes the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.Now that Garcia has issued a new EO which expanded the coverage of the ban to Mindanao, Rama said Garcia’s new policy will also take effect in Cebu City.“If that is now the direction, that will be good for our whole Cebu Island,” said Rama.Garcia stated the latest policy under EO 9-A which took effect last April 9.This new EO bans the entry of all live poultry and wild birds, including day-old chicks and pullets, ready-to-lay pullets, ducks, quails, game fowl, pigeons and pet birds coming from Luzon, Mindanao and other avian influenza-affected areas or countries for 45 days.Under EO 9-A, poultry meat products and eggs are allowed entry to Cebu subject to additional regulatory documents.According to Rama, this new policy will take effect in the city immediately despite no written directive released fromhis office.“Written (directive) will only be a thing if there is a need, but this pronouncement stays,” said Rama.