(Image courtesy of the Department of Agriculture)
KIDAPAWAN CITY--The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to release some PHP 14.9-million cash assistance to hog raisers affected by the African swine fever (ASF) infestation in North Cotabato.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Rufino Sorupia said Tuesday the disbursement will begin next week and would be done per municipality.
Seven hundred thirty-six hog raisers will receive assistance on January 18 in Arakan; Kidapawan City and Makilala (January 19-20); President Roxas (January 21); and Magpet (January 22).
Each depopulated hog has an equivalent value of PHP5,000.
“The total amount depends on the number of hogs that they owned and have been culled during our intense drive to stop the infestation,” Sorupia said, adding that all affected local government units have earlier provided assistance to hog raisers in their respective towns.
“Also, the provincial government gave interventions through livelihood programs,” Sorupia said.
The ASF infestation, which hit North Cotabato in August last year, has brought an estimated PHP16- million loss to the province's hog industry.
More than 3,000 hogs were so far depopulated in ASF-affected areas of the province.
“Yet, no additional cases were reported during the past one month since the last case was recorded, particularly in Kidapawan City,” Sorupia said. (PNA)
