MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--To address the looming problem of African Swine Fever (ASF) that has affected three municipalities, Governor Henry Oaminal issued Executive Order (EO) HSO-060, regulating the entry of poultry products and providing guidelines on the transport of live hogs, boar semen, pork, and pork-related products in the province. 

Signed on September 8, the EO shall serve as the province’s commitment to combat the serious threat of ASF to the local swine industry and food security in Misamis Occidental. 

The issuance of the EO was the result of a meeting conducted with Oaminal and the Provincial Management Staff, Provincial Legal Officer, Provincial Agriculture Office, Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Provincial Veterinary Office to manage the impacts of the deadly swine disease that has already affected three municipalities in the Misamis Occidental, particularly Panaon, Sinacaban, and Jimenez. 

Further, the officials agreed to utilize the provincial government’s manpower to control the province’s borders and to utilize emergency procurement of supplies or disinfectants for biosecurity, prevention, and control of ASF. 

The distribution of financial assistance to the affected families was also considered. 

Oaminal also directed the Provincial Agriculture Office OIC, BGen. Ysmael Yu, to organize a task force that will manage intensified surveillance and monitoring of all backyards, commercial farms, and stockyards, including those in the livestock markets and holding facilities. 

Meanwhile, the local government units (LGUs) are urged to strengthen the implementation of provincial ordinances as well as the enforcement of biosecurity measures within their jurisdictions.  

LGUs are also tasked with improving their information and education campaign (IEC), requesting their constituents to report any unusual swine mortalities to the local agriculture or veterinary office.  

Oaminal said the LGUs must immediately activate their respective quick response teams in the event of an ASF detection in their areas "to effectively prevent and control" the spread of the swine disease in other areas of the province. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)