Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out an expanded swine repopulation program with the procurement of 32,000 gilts as part of recovery measures from African swine fever (ASF). In a news release on Tuesday, the DA said the initiative led by the National Livestock Program, through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), aims to restore the national swine population to its pre-ASF level of about 13 million heads.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the program is crucial to strengthening local production and ensuring food security. He emphasized the need to produce at least one million more head of pigs this year to stabilize supply, reduce reliance on imports, and move closer to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of a food-secure Philippines.
The DA aims to add six million hogs by 2028, addressing supply gaps caused by ASF since 2019. Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica highlighted that the program is allotted PHP1.6 billion funding, supported by the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA). This law allocates PHP20 billion annually over the next decade, through the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANCEF), to boost the livestock sector.
Palabrica noted that improved disease control has allowed for the easing of emergency measures. He mentioned that no infected pigs have been detected recently, allowing authorities to dismantle checkpoints in Metro Manila after two years, reflecting the effectiveness of containment strategies. Despite this, the BAI remains vigilant as it scales up repopulation efforts nationwide.
The DA continues its vaccination efforts against ASF and avian influenza, exploring additional vaccine suppliers to ensure the health and resilience of livestock. The department acknowledged capacity gaps in the sector, with plans for the BAI to hire up to 4,000 regular personnel, including around 500 veterinarians, to support expanded operations and strengthen biosecurity measures.
Despite progress, the DA emphasized that maintaining strict biosecurity standards while increasing production is key to ensuring long-term industry stability and reducing dependence on pork imports.
