Section 5Sec./Art. 5

Section 47 of the Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 47. Meat Inspection Service Development Trust Fund (MISDTF). There shall be an independent and separate trust fund established under this Act, to be administered by the Meat Inspection Board. An amount not less than fifty percent (50%) for the first five (5) years, accrued from the fees, fines and charges shall be used for the purpose of the MISDTF. The fund shall be used for the following:

"a) continued upgrading of laboratory equipment and facilities to conform with international standards;

"b) establishment of training facilities;

"c) capability development of technical personnel and field enforcers;

"d) conduct of research and development on meat and meat products standards with professional organizations, the academe and/or other government offices;

"e) indemnification of condemned animal during ante-mortem inspection;

"f) accreditation and food safety audits of foreign meat plants;

"g) conduct of enforcement, food defense program and collaborative activities with other law enforcement agencies;

"h) establishment of disposal facilities for seized or condemned items and programs for the prevention and control of the spread of pests and diseases from the abattoir to the farm;

"i) provision of benefits under the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers and health insurance for the well-being of NMIS personnel; and

"j) provision of other forms of assistance and support to the LGUs, the livestock sector and the meat industry. The trust fund may also accept grants and donations from national and foreign entities and individuals interested in the meat inspection development: Provided, That they are not subject to regulation of the NMIS."