July 9, 2025

Live pork ban lifted in Cebu, Philippines

The province of Cebu in the Philippines has lifted the ban on the entry of live hogs and pork, as issued in an executive order by new Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

Baricuatro outlined that the previous administration implemented "strict control measures" for the entry especially during the height of the African swine fever (ASF) in Cebu.

"The easing of movement restrictions is necessary to support the recovery and revitalization of the local livestock and hog industries," wrote Baricuatro in her order.

She also mentioned the burden of the livestock traders and producers who are already complaining about sufficient and affordable supply of meat products.

Under her order, the livestock transport pass is no longer required, but live animals entering the province must still have a valid veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and a livestock handler's permit.

Proper biosecurity protocols, including vehicle disinfection and transport containment standards, must still be followed, the order noted.

The Provincial Veterinary Office and the Philippine National Police will be overseeing the implementation of the proper protocols.

Baricuatro also lifted the mandatory down-time period for livestock transport carriers.

"There is a decline in ASF cases and a marked improvement in disease surveillance and response mechanisms across affected regions," added Baricuatro.

It could be recalled that former Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia was in a row with the Bureau of Animal Industry over their differences in procedures addressing the ASF outbreak in Cebu.

-      ABS-CBN News