Negros oriental: Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria has issued an executive order establishing suggested buying and retail price ranges for live hogs, piglets, and pork as a response to the ongoing spread of African swine fever (ASF) in certain areas of the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Melody Vilan, chief of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), stated that the temporary price guidelines are designed to protect both hog raisers and consumers from potential price manipulation and profiteering. Vilan highlighted that the PVO's latest weekly report noted additional ASF cases and the culling of more infected pigs as of August 8.
"Two ASF cases each were reported in Zamboanguita and Pamplona towns, and the infected pigs were immediately culled," Vilan reported. Furthermore, 138 hogs from 15 barangays in Tanjay City were culled, and an additional 81 hogs at the Livestock Breeding Center in Bayawan City were depopulated.
Vilan also mentioned that Amlan, which had previously recorded ASF cases and conducted culling of affected hogs, has not reported any new infections in the latest monitoring. She urged the public to purchase live hogs, piglets, and pork from authorized sources, particularly those that have passed inspection at accredited slaughterhouses, to aid in preventing the spread of ASF.
The governor's executive order specifies suggested price ranges of PHP240 to PHP290 per kilogram for pork, PHP2,500 to PHP5,000 per piglet, and PHP150 to PHP180 per kilogram for live hogs based on live weight. These price guidelines serve as temporary measures intended to promote fair trade, prevent profiteering and price manipulation, and maintain orderly commerce in the province.
Vilan noted that the suggested prices were determined following consultations with the Provincial Price Coordinating Council. Various government agencies and local government units have been tasked with monitoring compliance with the price guidelines. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, causing significant losses to the hog industry, though it does not infect humans.
Source: Philippine News Agency
