TACLOBAN CITY – The local chief executive of Calbiga town, Samar has extended the “pork holiday” in the municipality through Executive Order No. 27.
The order extends the pork holiday from the initial dates of August 1 to 16, now covering August 17 to 31, due to African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in several villages.
In the executive order, Mayor Red Nacario noted that according to records from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the ASF virus has spread to 17 barangays, resulting in the death and culling of more than 715 hogs from 89 hog raisers and piggery owners.
The affected barangays include Barobaybay, Borong, Malabal, Macaalan, Literon, Patong, Rawis, Brgy Poblacion 6, Brgy Poblacion 7, Canticum, San Ignacio, Calingoan, Timbangan, Polangi, Panayuran, Bacyaran, and Tinago.
The extension of the pork ban is deemed necessary to allow sufficient time for the disinfection of the town’s slaughterhouse.
“Proper disinfection should be carried out in the holding area, pig pens, and the main gate should be repaired,” the EO states.
Through this order, the LGU is hopeful that the further spread of ASF will be mitigated.
The EO also clarifies that while the slaughtering of pigs for personal consumption is allowed, the selling of pork, other pork meat products, and pork-based products is strictly prohibited.
Those who violate this order will have their pork and pork products confiscated, and the LGU will suspend their business permits.
As mandated in the previous EO, the movement of pigs from one barangay to another remains prohibited, and pigs from other municipalities are not allowed to enter Calbiga.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
