January 18, 2021

Philippines to provide US$310,000 aid to North Cotabato hog farmers affected by ASF
 

Hog farmers in North Cotabato, the Philippines, who are affected by African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks, will receive support from the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) which will provide about ₱14.9 million (US$310,000) in cash assistance.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Rufino Sorupia said the disbursement would be done by municipality.

736 hog raisers will receive assistance in Arakan on January 18, Kidapawan City and Makilala on January 19-20, President Roxas on January 21, and Magpet on January 22.

Each depopulated hog has an equivalent value of ₱5,000 (US$104.03).

"The total amount depends on the number of hogs that they owned and have been culled during our intense drive to stop the infestation," Dr. Sorupia said, adding that all affected local government units have earlier provided assistance to hog raisers in their respective towns.

ASF, which hit North Cotabato in August last year, has brought an estimated ₱16 million (US$332,912) loss to the province's hog industry.

More than 3,000 hogs have been depopulated so far 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," Dr. Sorupia said.

- Philippines News Agency