DISINFECTION. A barangay enforcer (right) on Wednesday (March 10, 2021) directs a motorist to undergo disinfection before entering Barangay Pagatpat, in Cagayan de Oro City. The policy has been in place since February as Barangay Pagatpat is one of the 16 villages in the city which recorded a positive case of African swine fever involving backyard hogs. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least PHP24.8 million in indemnity fund will be provided to hog raisers in this city and the province of Misamis Oriental whose livestock were affected by the African swine fever (ASF).
The amount represents the 3,555 pigs culled since February in the two areas, Dr. Lucien Anthony P. Acac, chief of the City Veterinary Office, said Wednesday.
Hog raisers will receive PHP7,000 for each culled pig, Acac said. Of the amount, he said the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided PHP5,000 while local governments shelled out the remaining PHP2,000.
Acac said that between February 10 and March 9, the city culled at least 2,350 pigs from 15 villages, affecting 633 backyard hog raisers.
Dr. Benjamin Resma, Misamis Oriental Veterinary Office chief, also reported that 1,205 pigs were culled from 333 hog raisers, affecting four municipalities -- Initao, Manticao, Laguindingan, and Opol.
Dr. Julesben C. Maquiling, DA-10 resident veterinarian, said hog raisers whose pigs are culled are entitled to indemnification as long as their local governments immediately comply with the agency's requirements.
Maquiling also cautioned hog raisers to be wary of scrupulous individuals or groups claiming to be authorized to cull infected pigs.
"Avoid people claiming the pigs would be culled for only PHP500. You better go to your barangay or local government officials to know the process," he said.
Maquiling said affected hog raisers in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City are also set to receive indemnification within the month.
Meanwhile, Acac and Resma attributed the spread of ASF in Misamis Oriental and this city to human movements, noting that the affected barangays and municipalities are adjacent to each other. (PNA)
