Ilocos Norte to issue executive order vs ASF

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Office of the Governor, is set to release an executive order (EO) tightening the province’s preventive measures against African swine fever (ASF).

“We are integrating everything para ma-finalize na yung EO [para sa ASF],” Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela remarked.

The said issuance will limit the number of sales and outflow of pork products to ensure adequate supply in Ilocos Norte.

“We are just three of all the provinces within Luzon mainland na ASF-free— Apayao, Abra, and Ilocos Norte. Of all the three provinces, tayo ang mas madaming alagang baboy kaya tayo ang tinitignan na ASF-ridden province, including Metro Manila,” Dr. Valenzuela explained.

Based on records, Ilocos Norte has 88,000 hog volume that is sufficient for three to four months. Because of this, the province is recommended to export only 50 piglets in a month until the number of livestock population and their prices are back to normal.

Moreover, the Provincial Veterinary Office is also conducting laboratory sampling to certify hog farms selling outside the province are “verified laboratory-confirmed ASF-free.”

To further safeguard its swine industry, Ilocos Norte continues to strengthen its transport regulation measures in quarantine checkpoints by inspecting delivery cargos and private vehicles entering and departing the province. Also, stakeholders are constantly monitoring the movement of hogs and prices in their localities.

At present, pork price in the province has soared to Php 125.00–Php 140.00 per kilo at live weight while Php 230.00 per kilo of pork meat.— Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO