January 25, 2021

ASF-free Negros Occidental, the Philippines, provides opportunities for hog producers supplying Luzon

The African swine fever-free status of the Philippines' Negros Occidental province has enabled local hog raisers there to supply live pigs to Luzon, which has been affected by the disease.

The ₱6 billion (US$124.8 million) hog industry of Negros Occidental has remained stable amid the challenges posed by ASF and COVID-19.

According to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Negros Occidental is one of the few provinces in the Philippines considered as ASF-free.

"Such status has opened new market opportunities and allowed local hog raisers to supply live pigs to different parts of Luzon, which was affected by the disease affecting swine," said Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena.

A PVO report showed that last year, hog shipment increased by 46.18% to 28,214 heads from just 15,185 heads in 2019.

The PVO chief said the devastating effect of ASF outbreak in Luzon resulted in huge storage of pork supply in the area and increased the price to almost double -- from ₱220 (US$4.58) per kilogramme up to ₱400 (US$8.32) per kilogramme.

Luzon traders are offering higher prices as provided under a standing memorandum of agreement for continuous trade, said Decena.

From January to December 2020, a total of 12.65 tonnes of incoming assorted pork products have been seized in ports, airport and other checkpoint areas in Negros Occidental, which has banned food items of this kind coming from Luzon and Mindanao.

- Philippine News Agency