March 7, 2024
Philippine swine production poised for growth amid ASF battle
Swine production in the Philippines is anticipated to see an uptick this year, albeit at a slower rate, as the country makes progress in combating African swine fever (ASF), Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Chester Warren Tan, president of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc in the Philippines, projects a 3% increase in domestic hog output despite ongoing challenges.
Speaking at an event in Quezon City, Tan expressed optimism about the positive trend in production amidst lingering issues.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), total swine inventory as of end-September 2023 stood at 9.86 million heads, reflecting a 2.1% decline from previous figures.
However, this volume still falls short of pre-ASF outbreak levels, which were around 13 million heads.
In 2023, local swine production reached 1.79 million metric tonnes (MT), a slight increase from the previous year's 1.73 million MT.
Tan emphasised the significance of recent achievements, such as securing the Guinness World Record for the most variety of pork dishes on display, as morale boosters for local swine raisers.
Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr shares Tan's optimism, foreseeing the gradual elimination of the virus by next year with the accreditation of at least one vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Tiu Laurel noted that two vaccine firms are awaiting approval, with two more expected to apply soon, signalling progress in the fight against ASF.
- Philippine Daily Inquirer
