TACLOBAN CITY – A two-week pork holiday is now being implemented in Calbiga, Samar, to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs raised in different barangays.
The pork holiday started on August 1 and will run until August 16, in accordance with Executive Order 25 issued by Mayor Red Nacario.
For two weeks, the slaughtering of pigs and the selling of pork, as well as processed pork meat products such as chorizo, longganisa, and lechon, are prohibited. However, the slaughtering of pigs for personal consumption is allowed.
The order also prohibits the transportation of pigs from one barangay to another. Violators will face sanctions, including the confiscation of pork and pork meat products, and the suspension or revocation of business permits.
The order directs meat inspectors and livestock inspectors, along with the market supervisor, to strengthen market inspections with the assistance of the police.
The mayor issued the EO after learning that some sellers of pork in the Calbiga public market are suspected of being affected by ASF. In response, Mayor Nacario also ordered the total disinfection of the municipal slaughterhouse.
Barangay officials are also ordered to strengthen their monitoring and prohibit the entry and exit of hogs/swine and any pork products in their respective areas.
The ASF case in Calbiga began on June 3, recorded in Brgy Calinogan, and immediately spread to 12 other barangays.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
