ASF state of calamity declared in Bataan

MANILA, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in Bataan due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring the state of calamity, which Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia III approved on July 9.

The governor said 25 percent of hog farms in the province were affected by the swine disease.

At least 333 pigs in 17 hog farms were found positive for ASF while another 287 pigs have been tested.

As of July 4, the Bataan provincial veterinary office said ASF cases had been detected in the towns of Hermosa, Morong, Orion, Pilar and Samal.

In a radio interview, Bataan provincial veterinarian Alberto Venturina said 240 pigs were recently culled.

Venturina said Garcia ordered the setting up of checkpoints in the province to monitor the entry and exit of hogs and pork products.

He said traders should present the necessary documents before entry of pork products in the province and transport to other areas in the country will be allowed.

Venturina said the state of calamity would ensure that the provincial government could tap its calamity funds to help affected hog raisers.

“Our recommendation is P3,000 per head with a maximum of 20 heads per farmer regardless of size and breed. We are adopting the national guidelines although our budget is not big compared to the government,” he said.

Venturina said the state of calamity also aims to prevent an increase in the prices of meat and related products.

ASF-free

Meanwhile, with only San Miguel town classified as a red zone, Bulacan may soon be declared as ASF-free, provincial veterinarian Voltaire Basinang said.

He said the last ASF case detected in Bulacan was in Angat in December 2022.

Ozanne Ocampo, information officer of the Department of Agriculture in Central Luzon, said the highest number of ASF red zones in the region was monitored in Nueva Ecija with 18 followed by Pampanga with 14; Tarlac, eight; Bataan, seven, and  Aurora and Zambales, four each.

In Negros Occidental, more ASF cases were detected in Hinigaran as well as in Kabankalan and San Carlos cities.

San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo said hog deaths were recently reported in Barangays Rizal and Bulwangan.

The Bureau of Animal Industry said ASF cases were recorded in Barangays Cambaog and Gargato in Hinigaran.

As of Tuesday, the Negros Occidental Provincial Animal Biosecurity Incident Management Team said 16,641 deaths, representing 9.19 percent of the hog population in the province, were reported.

Losses to the hog industry were estimated at P189.6 million, with 3,670 livestock raisers in 151 barangays affected. — Ramon Efren Lazaro, Gilbert Bayoran