P1.25 billion allotted for hog industry’s recovery from ASF

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P1.25 billion to help the hog industry recover from African swine fever (ASF) as retail prices of pork remain high due to supply shortage.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel issued Memorandum Circular No. 2, implementing the swine industry recovery project (SIRP) to modernize the country’s swine industry.

“The SIRP aims to restore and revive the swine industry in the Philippines, which has been severely hit by ASF and other difficulties,” Tiu Laurel said in the circular.

He said the SIRP aims to fortify the industry by enhancing biosecurity, modernizing farm infrastructure, improving genetic quality and expanding market access.

“This effort aims to engage various stakeholders, including  small farmers, cooperatives, commercial breeders and at-risk agricultural communities offering customized assistance to restore, modernize and maintain the swine production nationwide,” Tiu Laurel said.

He said the ASF virus has caused significant losses to the swine industry and undermined a crucial sector of the nation’s agricultural and food security since 2019.

“The outbreak also compelled small farmers to slaughter their herds, resulting in significant financial hardships for a majority of families. The reduction in pork output has resulted in elevated prices and shortage, affecting consumers and the entire food supply chain,” Tiu Laurel said.

He said the ASF problem has revealed several weaknesses of the Philippine swine industry, especially in biosecurity and disease control.

“A majority of small and backyard farmers who are integral to the local pig supply lack finances and expertise to establish appropriate biosecurity measures. This made them vulnerable to viral transmission,” he said.

Tiu Laurel said efforts exerted by the government and the private sector to contain the outbreak through quarantines, movement restrictions and surveillance did not stop the spread of ASF.

He said a more comprehensive and coordinated strategy is required to control the disease and recover the industry.

Tiu Laurel said the SIRP seeks to mitigate the effects of ASF, avert future outbreaks and assist farmers in reconstructing and modernizing their operations.