Mandatory microchipping for pets in Iloilo City?

I am not new to the idea of the benefits of microchipping your pets. As a matter of fact, Kitkat was microchipped before I brought him over to the Philippines from overseas. It was not required by any of the import guidelines at that time (I believe this to be mandatory now; check the latest guidelines from the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry if you are travelling with your pet) and it was more to do with my peace of mind in case he goes missing during transit. It's a simple enough procedure requiring no incision (an applicator is used and it just looks like a big syringe). I remember the price wasn't so bad in Malaysia, where I was travelling from.

From Mr. Durano's post

I have to admit that I have just recently been following my city's veterinary office on Facebook, so it came as a surprise to me to know that they have long been mulling the idea of implementing a mandatory microchipping ordinance for pet owners instead of TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) programs. There seems to be some conflict between animal advocacy groups promoting TNVR to control the stray (dogs in particular) population and the City Veterinarian. The main argument against TNVR is its incompatibility with RA9482 or the Anti-Rabies Law. The infographic above sums up their main arguments in choosing one over the other, and it mostly boils down to cost.

The first time I heard of any buzz surrounding the mandatory microchipping of cats is attributable to the UK's move to pass legislation requiring domestic cats to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks and registered on a government database (I believe that the requirement for dogs was passed years prior). It has roughly been a year since they implemented it, and I do not see much negative feedback online. What I liked about their approach is that they are attempting to have some control over the stray population using a multiprong approach of a combination of making the pet owners more accountable for their pets as well as addressing the existing stray population with TNVR initiatives.

I hope the local government can implement something sustainable and convenient to pet owners. It is worth noting that this kind of initiative will likely require some infrastructure costs up front and regular infusion of resources. The program will only be as good as how well the database is maintained and kept up to date.

I am still on the fence on this whole debate. I do believe that the animal welfare groups are coming from a place of compassion and the City Vet's office is just pointing out that the Law is the Law unless it is changed or amended. I am also wary of making the microchipping of pets mandatory, especially if it is going to mean significant funds awarded to biotech firms/vet suppliers partnering with the City Vet's office (it is implied that the bulk of the cost will be subsidized by the local government). If they will be choosing this route, I hope that the program will be implemented with transparency, with regular updates.

Other posts of interest:

An interesting post on why the city is reluctant to heavily promote TNVR activities because of the release part of the program, which might be in conflict with RA9482 (erroneously stated as RA9485 in the Office of the City Veterinarian's post)
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1UbHXAvX3F/

Iloilo City is offering free spay/neuter services limited to one pet per city resident (proof of residency is required).
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1C31PQJASK/

Newly launched PETS program (Protect, Educate, Track, and Sterilize).
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1DTHC3Rxgb/