November 10, 2022

Farmers group questions Philippines permitting import of animal protein from ASF-hit countries

A farmers group in the Philippines has questioned the decision of the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to allow the import of processed animal protein from countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) despite opposition from various agricultural organisations.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura's (Sinag) executive director, Jayson Cainglet, said the DA and BAI proceeded on November 8 with the publication of Memorandum Circular 34 issued by Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian and former BAI director Reildrin Morales, despite pending appeals to reconsider the enforcement of the directive.

"We find it strange and worrisome that a memo circular has been published, in the midst of the appeal and with the two signatories of the said memo being no longer connected with both the BAI and the DA," Cainglet said. "There is an ongoing appeal to the (Philippines) President by the whole livestock industry and allied sectors, including from an advisory body from the Office of the President — the National Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency," he added.

Cainglet said that various agricultural groups signed a resolution urging Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to overturn the memorandum.

Among the signatories of the resolution were National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. president Chester Warren Tan, Sinag president Rosendo So and Pork Producers Federation of Farmers president Rolando Tambago.

- The Manila Times