Negros oriental: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has initiated the process of accepting indemnification applications from hog raisers in Negros Oriental who have experienced losses due to the culling of pigs amid the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. This move aims to provide financial relief to those affected by the government-led depopulation efforts targeting the containment of the disease.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bernard Limbaga, who heads the DA-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) in Negros Oriental, stated that hog farmers impacted by ASF can now apply for financial assistance. The indemnification amount will vary depending on the type of hogs culled, primarily covering adult pigs like boars and sows, whereas suckling piglets may not be eligible for compensation.
Limbaga noted that the government assistance is available to both hog raisers registered with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and unregistered backyard farmers, provided they meet the necessary documentary requirements.
In the town of La Libertad, Municipal Agriculture Officer Markim Cu reported that only one backyard hog raiser has applied for indemnification so far. This farmer, residing in Sitio Pisok, Barangay Pisong, lost eight pigs to culling after one tested positive for ASF. The remaining pigs were culled due to exposure to the infected animal, while four other pigs that tested positive had already died before laboratory confirmation, thus not qualifying for the indemnification program. Cu added that no new ASF cases have been reported in La Libertad.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Melody Vilan is urging hog raisers in ASF-affected areas, such as Tanjay City, Amlan, Siaton, and Bayawan City, to apply for indemnification if they qualify. She emphasized the importance of registering animals with the PCIC to ensure access to compensation in the event of future outbreaks. However, Dr. Vilan noted that the insurance agency is currently experiencing funding shortages, which may delay some claims until next year.
In a related development, ASF cases have been confirmed at the Livestock Breeding Center in Bayawan City, with 14 out of 35 blood samples testing positive. City Veterinarian Dr. Saturnino Dayanan Jr. indicated that laboratory results from the Bureau of Animal Industry were received late Monday. Culling operations are scheduled to begin Thursday, with approximately 60 pigs set for depopulation. Dr. Dayanan assured that no ASF cases have been detected in other barangays within Bayawan City, and strict biosecurity measures are being implemented to contain the outbreak within the government-run breeding facility.
