May 17, 2021

Philippines placed under state of calamity for one year to address African swine fever outbreak

Harry Roque, presidential spokesperson, said Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has announced the country will be under a state of calamity for one year to address the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, Bernama reported.

In a televised press conference, Roque said the Philippines will remain in a state of calamity for one year unless lifted or continued.

According to a proclamation signed by Duterte, all government agencies and local government units must mobilise resources to curb the spread of ASF, address pork supply shortages, lower pork prices at retail, and steadily recover the domestic swine industry.

The proclamation said ASF continues to affect the domestic swine industry, with new cases reported despite interventions by the government. ASF has spread to 12 out of 17 regions in the Philippines since the first case was reported in 2019.

The government of the Philippines said ASF has reduced the swine population by 3 million, with about US$2.1 billion in losses in the swine sector and related industries.

- Bernama