TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- To revive the hog production in the municipalities of Surigao del Sur that were affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Livestock Program commenced the delivery of sentinel pigs to the three provinces in the region, including Surigao del Sur as recipients of the program.

DA Caraga revealed a total of 540 sentinel pigs with an estimated cost of P5.2 million were distributed to the provinces of Agusan del Norte with delivery schedules on June 8 and 30 and Surigao del Norte on June 23 and 30. Feeds distribution amounting to P2.1 million was also implemented to the beneficiaries.

While for the province of Surigao del Sur, some 240 sentinel pigs were delivered to 80 recipients on June 30, with each beneficiary to receive three heads of sentinel pigs and six bags of feeds, drugs and biologics.

The sentinel program is a science-based preparation for hog re-population in ASF-stricken towns and cities to ascertain if the said disease is still present in the affected areas. (DA-13/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)