As 3 areas in Southern Leyte were hit by ASF
TACLOBAN CITY – The Maasin city government, under the leadership of Mayor Nacional Mercado, is set to implement various measures aimed at preventing the potential spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) within their jurisdiction.
This decision comes following the meeting of the Southern Leyte Provincial African Swine Fever (PASF) Executive Committee on Monday (Feb.5) to assess the current ASF situation in the province.
“To control and contain the possible spread of the virus, we will activate barangay responders, strictly enforce quarantine procedures by establishing checkpoints, and implement temporary movement control measures,” Mayor Mercado said.
Additionally, regular disease and field surveillance, information dissemination, education campaigns, and policy updates related to ASF will be conducted, the city mayor added.
“Rest assured that the city government of Maasin is fully committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community,” Mercado stressed.
According to the latest update from the PASF executive committee, ASF cases have been reported in three towns within the province, namely, Silago, Malitbog, and Bontoc.
In Silago, ASF has affected five villages, displacing 99 farmers and 489 hogs.
Malitbog reported ASF cases in three villages, affecting 48 farmers and 448 hogs, while Bontoc has reported cases in two villages.
The PASF report indicates that a total of P4.28 million is required for indemnification in Silago, and P2.87 million in Malitbog, with no reported amount yet for Bontoc.
Meanwhile, after nearly 40 days since Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor declared a “pork holiday” on December 27th in eight villages, another executive order has been issued lifting the ban, as recommended by the provincial veterinary office.
However, hog slaughtering in these villages will only be allowed with a barangay certificate ensuring the health of the animal, to be slaughtered at the barangay communal slaughter house.
In Bontoc, Mayor Noel Alinsub issued an executive order(EO) enforcing a total ban on hog slaughtering for a period of seven days from February 2nd to 9th.
Additionally, selling pork and pork products is prohibited in the affected barangays for seven days, extendable for another 15 days.
The EO also restricts the entry and exit of live hogs within its effectivity period.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
