Manila: The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) announced on Tuesday that the number of barangays impacted by African swine fever (ASF) has decreased to 19 from the 27 reported on February 11. These affected barangays are situated in 15 municipalities across the Cordillera region, Central Visayas, Mimaropa, Central and Eastern Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
According to Philippines News Agency, BAI Director Christian Daquigan stated on Monday that the government is advancing its repopulation program to support the hog industry in recovering from ASF's impacts. "Through what we call the Swine Recovery Program, the government will give away 32,000 gilts to hog raisers," he mentioned at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon event.
The BAI emphasized that the initiative is aimed at boosting hog production nationwide. The agency is also enhancing the monitoring and assessment of the country's biosecurity system. "We are also looking into possible improvements in the biosecurity system to prevent the entry of diseases in the country," Daquigan added.
Furthermore, the BAI is advocating for complete digitalization of its processes, including online shipping permits and other related transactions, to streamline and improve its operations.
