Dr. Albert’s love at first sight

“Sabi nga, paglitaw ko sa mundong ibabaw, pagharap ko sa mundo, ang nakita ko ay animals,” these were the first words of Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO) head Dr. Alberto Venturina, as he confidently unfolds his life before us during the exclusive interview.

Born on May 2, 1969, this enthusiastic animal doctor resides in two places: at Alas-asin, Mariveles during weekdays and at Muñoz, Nueva Ecija during weekends to be with his wife Virginia and three children namely Aldrian Gabriel, Job Rafael, and Keziah Isabel.

He pursued his primary education in Alas-asin Elementary school, his secondary education in Cabcaben Municipal High School, and finally his tertiary education in Central Luzon State University with a degree in BS Animal Husbandry, making him a doctor of veterinary medicine after he successfully passed the board exam in 1992.

For over 23 years now, he has been working in the Provincial Government of Bataan under the same department. He started as a casual employee (Vet I) in October 1994, granted a regular position in December 1996, became the officer in charge in October 2005, upgraded to Vet II in 2010, and finally became the department head in 2011.

As for his duties and responsibilities, he has two things he takes care of. One is the animals – his office controls, prevents, supervises, inspects, and monitors animal diseases, and at the same time, he takes good care of the entire office. “Ako, madalang akong umupo dito sa office ko, madalas nasa staff ako,” he added, because it is important for him to have a good rapport with his people.

Dr. Albert also shared their strategic programs namely: livelihood program, quarantine center, breeding center, biosecurity in poultry and piggery farms, and rabies awareness. Among those, he said that some of his most significant accomplishment was first, the implementation of the ordinance about the flies in poultry and piggery farms. Second, he said that during 2010 to 2014, there were zero rabies cases in the province. And lastly, he includes in his accomplishments the way he helped in the upliftment of the lives of the people. “Sabi ko sa tao ko, ang nagbago lang sa pagkatao ni Dr. Venturina ay yung position. Yung pagkatao, ito pa rin. Hindi tataas, walang dahilan para tumaas,” he added.

Aside from those animal related work, he also has animal related hobbies. He has a pasture area in Mariveles with cows, goats, horses, and carabaos in which he and his staff there takes care of. Not only does he go there for his beloved animals, but also he goes there to exercise through walking and relaxing himself mentally by appreciating the beauty of nature. “Pag nasa animals ako, lahat ng cellphone ko, nasa silent mode, para walang problema,” he said.

Drawing to a close, he shared his principle in life to us: “ang katwiran ko sa buhay, ang masama tinatago ko, yung mabuti yung tinatapon ko.” Ironic as it may seem, but it is true. He said that it

is just right to keep your not-so- good characteristics to yourself and improve it, and share to others what you are overflowing with.

Indeed, this man knows the how-to’s in having a good relationship with “someone”, or shall I include “something” – because he loves animals the way he loves people.