QUEZON CITY -- Two hundred and eleven days since the detection of the first African Swine Fever case in Brgy. Canaporong, the town of Abuyog, in Leyte is now ASF-free.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, together with other officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA), made the declaration on October 12, 2021 at the Abuyog Community College.

Following the successful implementation of the Bantay sa Barangay  “BaBay” ASF program,  installation of Barangay Biosecurity Officers, and massive disinfection, Abuyog has transitioned from red to pink zone.

Data shows that a total of 1,113 hog raisers from 41 barangays were affected. From January -March, 92 hogs tested positive from ASF.

The last reported case dates back on March 15, 2021.

Sec. Dar, in his message, lauded the local government units in the whole province of Leyte for taking the lead in battle against the animal disease.

“I believe that you have the biggest responsibility in our initiative to fight ASF. We at DA will always be here to support you,” he said.

Abuyog Mayor Lemuel Gin Traya thanked DA for its prompt assistance to the town.

“When the first ASF case was detected, key officials from DA regional office stayed in our town for a week to assist us in our fight against the animal disease. I am very grateful to DA,” he said.

Affected hog raisers were extended indemnification, which totals to P16.92 million, with each farmer receiving financial assistance for a maximum of 20 head of swine.

As such, the agri chief urged the local raisers to enroll in the indemnification program of the Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

“Tutulong po kami at ang PCIC sa inyong repopulation initiatives. Kaya mainam po na mag-enroll kayo para mababayaran kayo sa mga panahong kagaya nito,” he stressed. (ARodriguez, DA-AFID)