Manila: The Department of Agriculture has announced the lifting of the temporary ban on the importation of pork and other swine products from Spain, acknowledging the European country's regionalization for African Swine Fever (ASF).

According to Philippines News Agency, Department Circular No. 22 formally recognized Spain's regionalization measures for ASF, allowing the resumption of imports of pork meat, pig skin, and other swine by-products under agreed sanitary conditions between Manila and Madrid.

The Bureau of Animal Industry's review concluded that Spain maintains sufficient veterinary oversight and disease-control measures to significantly reduce the risk of ASF transmission through imported pork products. Philippine and Spanish veterinary authorities also finalized technical conditions governing shipments from recognized low-risk zones.

Under the new directive, all import transactions from Spain must comply with bilateral import protocols, Philippine quarantine regulations, and the guidelines under Administrative Circular No. 12 series of 2025, which established the framework for bilateral recognition of ASF regionalization among accredited trading partners.

The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on Spanish pork imports last year through Department of Agriculture Memorandum Order No. 75 after ASF cases were reported in parts of Europe, prompting tighter border controls to protect the local hog industry.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move is expected to help diversify meat supply sources and ease pressure on domestic pork prices. He said the decision reflects a calibrated approach between safeguarding local agriculture and ensuring food security.

'We remain vigilant against ASF, but we also recognize the importance of science-based risk assessment and international cooperation in securing stable food supply chains,' Tiu Laurel said. 'Allowing imports from properly regulated and monitored areas in Spain helps diversify our pork sources while maintaining strict animal health standards.'

Industry analysts said the reopening of Spanish pork imports could help stabilize pork supply and moderate retail prices as the Philippines continues rebuilding its hog population after years of ASF-related disruptions. Spain is among the world's largest pork exporters and has long been an accredited supplier to the Philippine market.