Bangued: The provincial government of Abra is making strides towards achieving African swine fever (ASF)-free status by the end of 2026. With zero ASF cases reported since January and no new incidents in the last six months of 2025, the province is optimistic about its progress, according to Dr. Paul Joseph Abaya, the provincial veterinarian.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Abaya stated that ASF disease surveillance was conducted in various municipalities, resulting in six municipalities being downgraded from the red category to pink in April. Surveillance in six additional municipalities is ongoing, with results pending. Dr. Abaya expressed hope that the province would achieve a yellow zone status by the end of the year.
To safeguard against ASF, the province has implemented checkpoints to ensure that live animals entering Abra meet ASF-free standards. Fresh, frozen, and processed meats are also subject to stringent documentation and approval requirements from the Food and Drugs Administration. Animal raisers are regularly reminded to adhere to biosecurity measures, with a particular emphasis on owner responsibility. They are also encouraged to plant forage such as madre de agua as an alternative to swill feeding.
In a related development, the Cosili Bangued Abra Farmers Association Inc., which comprises 147 members, received PHP5 million in assistance from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera's Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE). Association president Allane Balubar emphasized their strict adherence to biosecurity protocols, allowing only two individuals to access animal cages for feeding and cleaning. The association is currently in its second cycle of raising 100 swine heads.
Balubar, speaking in Ilocano, underscored the importance of biosecurity measures to protect the assistance received and ensure the growth of the PHP5 million capital invested by the government. Under the INSPIRE program, beneficiaries have three years to raise the capital provided, with the potential to retain and expand the funds for larger income opportunities, as explained by DA-CAR livestock program coordinator Jayvee Canor.
In addition to INSPIRE, the Department of Agriculture offers the Livestock-based Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) program, which aims to empower farmers and cooperatives by transforming small-scale animal production into sustainable and profitable business ventures.
