THE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure that establishes a College of Veterinary Medicine in the Southern Luzon State Univeristy Campus in Catanauan, Quezon.

Voting 206-0, the lawmakers approved on third and final reading House Bill 10840.

The lawmakers said that veterinarians play an important role in investigating animal and human disease outbreaks such as food-borne illnesses, influenza and rabies.

They added that veterinarians are also essential in protecting public health by investigating zoonotic diseases and other diseases affecting the health of animals and people.

Under the measure, the establishment of the College shall become effective upon the determination and declaration by the Commission on Higher Education.

The importation of scientific and technical books or publications for scientific and technical purposes will be exempt from customs duties.