Manila: 227 hog farmers affected by African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Negros Oriental have qualified for government indemnification, as confirmed by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jaymar Vilos, the PVO-Negros Oriental information officer, stated that the validated farmers hail from Bais City (185) and Manjuyod (42). Their qualification for indemnification was confirmed after the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a validation process, following endorsements from the local government units.

Vilos explained that these farmers are part of the latest group identified to receive financial aid from the national government. The indemnification aims to compensate for the hogs culled during ASF outbreaks in their areas in 2023 and 2024. Earlier this year, an initial batch of 54 hog farmers from Valencia town received similar support.

There remain 21 individuals from Valencia yet to receive government aid. Vilos mentioned that they have reached out to the Department of Agriculture to expedite the compensation for these remaining farmers.

Each eligible beneficiary is set to receive PHP5,000 for every pig head culled. However, this compensation is limited to pigs culled during the outbreaks and excludes piglets not yet weaned at the time. Moreover, hogs reported to have died of ASF but not surrendered for culling do not qualify for indemnification, Vilos clarified.