DA releases P18M to indemnify 1,311 hog raisers hit by ASF in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released at least P18.24 million to 1,311 hog raisers in Eastern Visayas affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Francis Rosaroso, DA regional information officer, said the distribution of indemnification to affected hog raisers would continue until all of them have been compensated.

This week, the DA has released P6.31 million to indemnify 339 hog raisers from Palo, Burauen, Tanauan towns, all in Leyte, and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar.

The ASF had affected 3,096 hog raisers hit the region. Some 14,924 hogs had been culled as part of the measures imposed by the DA.

The first case of ASF in Eastern Visayas was monitored in Abuyog town in Leyte on Jan. 15.

The disease later spread to other areas in the region.

In May 2021, President Duterte has declared a year-long state of calamity due to ASF in the country.

lzb