CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has informed Cebu Capitol officials that the agency has resumed the issuance of shipping permits of hogs entering Cebu Province.
New Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry of
DA, Dr. Constante de Jesus Palabrica told Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that when he took over his position, they studied the policies on the measures against the African Swine Fever (ASF), and even the Court of Appeal’s (CA) order against the culling and zoning map policy to contain the ASF virus.
After the study, Palabrica ordered his personnel to “give shipping permits on all the pigs that will enter in Cebu,”, as per Sugbo News report, Capitol’s news portal.
Palabrica further said that they are reviewing everything and assured the Governor that by the first quarter of 2025, “everything will be in place”.
“I’m requesting your people to join us because you have successfully prevented massive culling,” he said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. appointed Asec. Palabrica as OIC-Director of BAI in April this year. Palabrica paid a courtesy call to Garcia last November 21.
In June last year, CA’s 20th division granted the petition of the Capitol for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the culling and zoning map policy of BAI, as it “will cause grave and irreparable damage” to the province, especially the P11-billion hog industry of the province.
Governor Garcia welcomed the said development disclosed to him by Palabrica, but she also urged the agency to take accountability for the billions of pesos in economic losses due to the agency’s policy. (CEBU NEWS)