ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Assistance in various forms are welcome to help Ilonggo hog farmers who have been affected with African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Iloilo provincial government.
“We are already receiving donations from the private sector, and our latest donation is rice,” Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr said during the recent Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction (PDRRMC) meeting.
Government agencies have likewise pledged financial and technical support to the affected hog industry of the province.
Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Rolando Distura, for his part, appealed for the support to the poultry industry as an alternative source of income.
Meanwhile, efforts to intensify protocols against ASF likewise are continuously implemented to curb its spread.
Iloilo Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada reported the establishment of border control checkpoints in strategic areas in the town of Oton to limit the movement of pork products.
The depopulation of ASF-positive and exposed hogs was also conducted in neighboring villages along with contact tracing and surveillance.
“We’re facing ASF but we’re already executing right from the very start from the first result from Brgy. Bita, Oton was released na positive na kita (that we are positive),” Gov. Defensor shared.
To note, 23 barangays from Oton town have been affected with ASF while one barangay from San Miguel recorded an ASF case as of October 24, 2022.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office showed that some 614 pigs have been disposed in the affected villages. (JBG/LMLE/PIA Iloilo)
