Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday reported a sharp decline in the number of African swine fever (ASF)-affected barangays, raising hopes that the number would further drop this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recorded a decrease in ASF-affected barangays from 98 on December 31, 2025, to just eight by mid-January. The eight barangays with active ASF cases are located in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Caraga, specifically in the municipalities of Paracale in Camarines Norte; Balilihan, Candijay, and Mabini in Bohol; Jabonga in Agusan del Norte; and Santa Monica in Surigao del Norte.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attributed the decline in ASF cases to the relentless efforts of the government and favorable weather conditions, noting, "Wala masyadong (There's not much of) flooding, and perhaps (there's) better biosecurity," in a Viber message. While he refrained from predicting an ASF-free status soon, he expressed optimism about a further reduction in ASF spread, saying, "I can't say (that it will be) ASF-free, but maybe a lot less."

The DA has been implementing continuous border control measures and a government-controlled vaccination program among healthy and ASF-negative hogs to combat the virus. As of December 2025, the vaccine rollout has reached 12 semi-commercial farms, nine smallholder farms, and one government-run farm in Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Pampanga.

Before this decline, BAI had reported active ASF cases in 31 municipalities across 11 provinces, including Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central and Eastern Visayas, and Caraga.