BACOLOD CITY –– Sales of Negros Occidental’s gamefowl have dropped by 97 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic affected the province.
Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said the decrease in sales began in the first week of February and worsened as lockdowns were imposed.
“Unless government restrictions on cockfighting operations and movement are eased, the downward spiral that has also caused the loss of numerous jobs will continue,” he said.
Last year, about 15,000 to 20,000 gamefowls were shipped out of Negros Occidental every month.
At present, Decena said only 500 to 600 gamefowls are shipped out a month.
He said the gamefowl industry in Negros Occidental is valued at P5 billion as it involves not just the breeders but also the suppliers of feeds and other needs of fighting cocks.
Decena said the Negros Occidental provincial government used to earn P350,000 to P500,000 for gamefowl inspection fees and permits a month.
“Now, it is only about P12,500,” he said./###