By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo provincial government has disbursed PHP9.6 million to 13 municipalities as part of its African Swine Fever (ASF) Recovery Program, aiming to revive the local hog industry.
The funds were allocated for the procurement of piglets, which will be distributed to qualified hog farmers in Barotac Viejo, New Lucena, Dingle, Banate, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel, Concepcion, Lambunao, Zarraga, Janiuay, Batad, Oton, and Mina.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is assisting these municipalities in acquiring the piglets.
Barotac Viejo, Sta. Barbara, and San Miguel have already procured a total of 176 piglets for distribution.
The financial assistance provided per municipality is as follows:
- Banate – PHP2,268,000
- Oton – PHP1,896,000
- Janiuay – PHP1,200,000
- Batad – PHP960,000
- Lambunao – PHP600,000
- New Lucena – PHP528,000
- Dingle, Sta. Barbara – PHP432,000 each
- Barotac Viejo – PHP324,000
- Zarraga – PHP360,000
- San Miguel – PHP300,000
- Concepcion – PHP240,000
- Mina – PHP60,000
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darrel Tabuada highlighted that the program aims to rebuild the province’s swine population following the ASF outbreak.
“As of February 3, Iloilo’s swine inventory had reached 80,310 heads, marking an 11.05 percent increase from the previous month’s total of 72,320 heads,” Dr. Tabuada said.
The figure is expected to rise further as more municipalities distribute piglets.
While Iloilo currently has no active ASF cases, Dr. Tabuada assured strict monitoring of incoming live hog shipments from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Palawan.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to ASF recovery and pledged additional funding to support the program.
