September 18, 2024

 

Farmers in Negros Oriental, Philippines to receive compensation for swine affected by ASF

Around 40 farmers in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines, whose swine were affected by African swine fever (ASF), are set to receive compensation from the Philippines government, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

The initial list of farmers eligible for indemnification has been submitted to the regional Department of Agriculture (DA) office, according to Jaymar Vilos, information officer-designate of the Negros Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).

 

Vilos stated that the office is still in the process of validating other affected farmers, particularly in Barangay West Balabag, which experienced a resurgence of ASF last month. While the exact number of additional farmers has not been determined, validation is ongoing to ensure that all affected swine farmers are identified.

 

"We are still validating further other swine farmers in Barangay West Balabag in Valencia who were affected by the ASF resurgence there last month," Vilos said in a mix of English and Cebuano.

 

The farmers who qualify for compensation will receive PHP 5,000 (US$89.71) for each swine culled as part of the containment measures implemented by a multi-agency response team. Vilos noted that approximately 220 to 270 swine were culled in Barangay West Balabag, but not all were eligible for indemnification.

 

The compensation will be drawn from the DA's Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, though the release of funds is pending the final validation of the farmers' list.

 

In addition, Vilos mentioned that new guidelines for indemnification related to ASF have been issued. Prior to August 15, 2024, each swine culled—regardless of weight or age—was eligible for a standard PHP 5,000 (US$89.71). However, under the new guidelines, the compensation rates have been adjusted based on the swine's classification.

 

Farmers will now receive PHP 4,000 (US$71.76) for each weaned piglet, PHP 8,000 (US$143.53) for growers and fatteners (swine typically slaughtered for food or lechon), and PHP 12,000 (US$215.29) for male and female breeders. Piglets that were not yet weaned at the time of culling will not be covered by the government's indemnification programme.

 

As of now, no new ASF cases have been reported in Negros Oriental. The PVO continues to monitor the situation closely and is urging farmers to report any unusual swine deaths so that authorities can implement necessary containment measures.

 

- Philippine News Agency