The Victorias City government in Negros Occidental has taken proactive measures to support local hog raisers affected by the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in 2023. Recognizing the need for alternative livelihoods, the city has distributed various livestock such as chickens, goats, and rabbits to affected individuals, aiming to mitigate the economic impact of ASF on the community.
Comprehensive Support and Insurance Coverage
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez highlighted the city's commitment to aiding hog raisers, stating that nearly 100 percent of the hogs are insured. Victorias City, being one of the first local governments in Negros Occidental to report ASF cases, facilitated insurance coverage for raisers through partnerships with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and the city's own insurance program.
On February 20, each of the 96 hog raisers affected in Victorias also received financial assistance amounting to P2,000, distributed by the Negros Occidental provincial government. This proactive approach has provided a safety net for the affected individuals, ensuring financial security amid the challenges posed by ASF.
Stringent Measures to Safeguard Against ASF Spread
In line with the efforts to prevent the resurgence of ASF, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued an executive order imposing strict bans on the entry of pigs, boar semen, and pork products from ASF-affected areas. The order, aimed at safeguarding the province's hog industry, prohibits imports from various regions within the Philippines and countries with reported ASF cases. Lacson emphasized the importance of adhering to these measures to facilitate the industry's recovery and prevent further outbreaks.
Furthermore, exemptions to the ban were outlined, allowing the entry of processed pork products from compliant meat establishments. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez's decision to lift Bacolod City's ban, albeit classified as an ASF red zone, aims to alleviate pork product shortages while maintaining stringent biosecurity measures. The classification of areas into red and dark green zones provides a framework for managing ASF risks and ensuring the safety of the hog industry.
ASF, a highly contagious viral disease, poses significant threats to pig populations but does not affect humans. Health officials have reassured consumers regarding the safety of pork products from unaffected areas. Despite the absence of a vaccine against ASF, coordinated efforts at the local and provincial levels seek to contain the spread of the disease and support affected communities in Victorias City and beyond.
