San miguel: The local government of San Miguel has intensified its campaign against African swine fever (ASF), issuing Executive Order No. 077 on Monday to enforce stricter measures under Ordinance No. 22-2021 and establish checkpoints in barangays to serve as biosecurity and sanitation facilities. Mayor Michael Corilla said the move follows surveillance by the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Provincial Veterinary Office confirming ASF outbreaks in the municipality, requiring immediate reinforcement of prevention, control, containment, and monitoring measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ordinance No. 22-2021 mandated the creation of the San Miguel Municipal ASF Task Force, which is activated during outbreaks to implement biosecurity protocols and enforce containment rules. In an interview on Tuesday, Dr. Ashley Mae Abaday-Nono, ASF coordinator of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13), confirmed ASF cases in four barangays in San Miguel - Patong, Libas Sud, Tina, and Poblacion.
She added that ASF infections have also been recorded since July in other areas in Surigao del Sur, particularly in Tago and Tandag City, while DA-13 continues to monitor suspected cases in Cortes. "The DA-13 and the provincial government, including LGUs in the province, have already convened to address the emerging ASF cases," Nono said.
She noted that culling operations in affected barangays of San Miguel would proceed Tuesday, with compensation available under DA Executive Order No. 4, series of 2025. Under EO No. 4, hog raisers will receive PHP4,000 per head for weanlings, PHP8,000 for growers and finishers, and PHP12,000 for boars and sows.
Nono urged farmers and residents to promptly report ASF cases to their LGUs for swift containment. She said ASF has also been confirmed in six towns in Agusan del Sur, one in Agusan del Norte, and in Butuan City. Culling operations have already been conducted in these areas, with preventive measures in place to stop further spread.
"The DA-13 has provided LGUs with disinfectants, especially in ASF-affected areas," Nono said.
