Negros oriental: Negros Oriental's provincial government has ordered strict enforcement of the price ceiling on live hogs, piglets, and pork to prevent confusion and ensure fair prices for hog raisers, suppliers, and the general public.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vernon Lumbania, acting chief of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), revealed that the directive followed a meeting with Governor Manuel Sagarbarria and other provincial officials. This comes amid reports of varying price ceilings set by local government units (LGUs).

"We were ordered to print tarpaulins bearing the price ceilings, as suggested in an executive order issued by the governor to avoid the 'chaos' caused by varying price caps," Lumbania stated. On August 1, the governor issued an order to regulate the prices of hogs (live weight), piglets, and pork (both local and imported).

However, Lumbania noted the necessity for proper monitoring and strict enforcement of these regulations, amid complaints from certain groups. Some LGUs imposed their price ceilings on live hogs and pork after detecting African swine fever (ASF) cases in parts of the province.

Lumbania mentioned that the varying price caps were partly intended to help hog raisers and suppliers recover the value of their animals, particularly in areas where selling prices had fallen sharply. The provincial government plans to post tarpaulins displaying the prescribed prices in strategic locations, including 'pooling places' where live hogs are gathered before being transported outside an LGU or the province.

He further warned that repeated violations of the provincial price cap order could result in the revocation of transportation certificates issued for the animals. Areas without ASF cases are permitted to transport live hogs and pork, provided they obtain the required documents from authorities, including the PVO and the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Meanwhile, Lumbania acknowledged that ASF cases continue to be detected in the province, although the PVO is still consolidating the latest data submitted over the weekend for its weekly report. The figures were based on blood samples collected from pigs and tested in the laboratory.