La Union: The first batch of hog raisers in the Ilocos Region, whose livestock were impacted by the African swine fever (ASF) virus in the last quarter of 2024, has received government indemnification. The second and third batches are currently awaiting funding.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Alfredo Banaag, the Department of Agriculture 1 (Ilocos Region) regulatory division chief and ASF focal person, stated in an interview on Tuesday that 57 hog raisers from La Union province have been awarded a total of PHP3.8 million. These hog raisers hail from 17 villages across seven localities, where 597 pigs were culled due to the ASF outbreak.

The compensation plan provided PHP4,000 per head of piglets, PHP8,000 per head for growers and fatteners, and PHP12,000 per head for breeders. Each hog grower is eligible to claim indemnification for up to 20 heads of pigs.

The DA-1 has earmarked PHP40.5 million as indemnification for a total of 5,341 culled pigs, with the funds sourced from the ASF quick response fund. The second batch of beneficiaries includes 718 hog raisers from 135 villages in La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.

The third batch comprises 148 hog raisers from 21 villages in 10 localities of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte. This group faced the culling of 875 pigs, translating to a total indemnification of PHP6.98 million. Dr. Banaag noted that the necessary documentation for the second and third batches has been processed and forwarded to the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Banaag emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures among hog raisers to prevent further spread of the virus. He also advised against purchasing swine from red zones and other illegal products that may enter the region.

Local government units are actively implementing quarantine measures, restricting the movement of pork and pork products, and carrying out culling when necessary to control the ASF outbreak.