Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental reaffirmed on Friday the province’s commitment to preventing the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) by continuing the prohibition on the entry of live pigs, pork meat, and pork by-products from other provinces, particularly those designated as red zones by the Department of Agriculture, where ASF cases have been confirmed.
This stringent measure forms part of the broader recovery efforts to mitigate ASF-induced losses that have significantly impacted the province’s swine industry.
Negros Occidental, once a leading backyard hog producer in the country, is keen on regaining its status but emphasizes the necessity of rigorous enforcement of biosecurity protocols to thwart potential outbreaks.
Governor Lacson’s remarks came in light of Negros Oriental’s decision, under Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, to lift a similar ban, aiming to rejuvenate their beleaguered swine industry.
However, Lacson stressed the importance of prudence and adherence to the sentineling program, a scientific preparatory process for hog repopulation in ASF-affected areas to confirm the absence of the disease.
“We must avoid shortcuts because if we are struck again, the repercussions will be widely felt,” Lacson stated, reflecting on the previous year’s ordeal that saw almost 18,000 hog mortalities across approximately 20 local government units due to ASF and hog cholera, inflicting damage to the PHP6-billion swine industry of Negros Occidental.
As part of the recovery plan, on February 13, Lacson allocated PHP1.3 million in financial assistance to affected hog raisers in southern Negros, with the towns of San Enrique, Valladolid, and Hinigaran being among the most severely affected.
This support aims to foster a gradual and secure comeback for the hog industry in the province.
