October 12, 2024

 

Philippines' Department of Agriculture urged to focus on budget allocation for ASF

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines should prioritise addressing African swine fever (ASF) in its 2025 budget, Philippines' Senator Nancy Binay said, Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

 

During the DA budget hearing, Binay suggested that the department clearly outline ASF-related expenditures as a separate line item, emphasising that ASF continues to be a significant issue in the country.

 

"Isn't it that our problem with ASF seems like it will last for a while? I think it might be better to have a specific line item dedicated to ASF because this problem appears to be an ongoing concern," Binay said.

 

She proposed that this dedicated line item should cover all aspects of the ASF issue, including the procurement of vaccines and other essential measures to combat the disease.

 

"Perhaps that line item could include the procurement of the ASF vaccine and anything related to addressing ASF," she added.

 

During the hearing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante Palabrica revealed that some farmers are engaging in "fastbreak" sales, where they quickly sell ASF-infected swine rather than reporting them.

 

To curb the spread of ASF and prevent further "fastbreak" sales, the DA is offering incentives to farmers who surrender infected swine. Sows are currently priced between PHP 8,000 (US$139.56) and PHP 10,000 (US$174.47) as compensation.

 

However, Palabrica noted that it takes about a month for farmers to receive the funds meant to incentivise the surrender of infected swine.

 

The funds for these incentives are currently sourced from the Quick Response Fund (QRF), a reserve fund used for relief and rehabilitation during disasters and calamities.

 

The DA has proposed a PHP 157.6 billion (US$2.7 billion) budget for 2025, with PHP 112.26 million (US$1.9 million) allocated for the Office of the Secretary, PHP 16.7 million (US$291,000) for attached agencies, and PHP 28.6 million (US$498,000) for attached corporations.

 

-      Philippine Daily Inquirer