LUCENA CITY –– Romblon Gov. Jose Riano has temporarily prohibited the transport of hogs outside of the island province.
This is to ensure the stability of the price of pork in the local market that is now reeling from the effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF) scare.
In his executive order issued on Jan. 29, Riano explained: “Due to temporary ban/restrictions on importation of live hogs caused by the ASF affecting the hog industry in the country, upon recommendation of the Provincial Veterinarian Office (Provet) and requests of the local chief executives, there is an urgent need to strictly regulate the transport of live hogs outside of the province to ensure the steady supply of pork and live hogs, and prevent the shortage of pork products and [their] by-products in the province.”
Riano posted a copy of the order on his Facebook page on Feb. 1, the start of the ban period.
The governor said the province has remained free of ASF infection.
“Transportation of live hogs from the province of Romblon to other parts of the country is hereby prohibited for six months … unless sooner revoked, repealed or modified by a subsequent order, law or circular.”
Riano noted the increased demand for pork and live hogs across the country, “hence, supply within the province must be secured so that price per kilo will be regulated amid the increased demand.”
Pork prices have risen by as much as 55 percent from last year due to the ASF scare.
The governor clarified that breeder farms accredited by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) may be allowed to transport breeder pigs from the province to other parts of the country “subject to the concurrence of the Provet.”
“However, buyers within the province shall be prioritized for purposes of breeding and repopulation,” he emphasized.
The governor has tasked shipping companies/sea transportation operators plying to any port of Romblon, and land transport operators, to observe strict compliance with the order and ensure that documentary requirements from local authorities and other related government agencies are met.
Romblon, located at the Sibuyan Sea, is bounded by Mindoro in the west, Masbate in the east, Marinduque in the north, and Panay in the south.
The Philippines is facing its third wave of ASF that had battered the meat industry since it was first detected in 2019.
There is no cure yet for the highly contagious swine disease, according to the National Meat Inspection Service.
A pig infected with ASF usually dies in two to 10 days. The mortality rate goes as high as 100 percent, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
The disease does not infect humans.
LZB