Leyte Hog Raisers Hit by ASF Receive P4.9 Million in Aid

In Silago, Southern Leyte, 116 hog raisers who suffered devastating losses due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak last year have received P4.9 million in cash indemnification from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The financial aid is intended to help farmers recover from the severe losses incurred by the ASF outbreak that hit the town, enabling them to rebuild their businesses and contribute to the local economic recovery. ASF is a highly contagious and fatal disease for pigs, and its outbreaks have been reported in various regions across the Philippines in recent years. The impact is particularly severe in areas where the livestock industry forms the backbone of the local economy. This assistance is expected to be used by the farmers to purchase replacement livestock, enhance biosecurity measures, and establish new breeding environments. It also holds the potential to stabilize the domestic pork supply in the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the major pork-producing nations in Southeast Asia, and controlling ASF and recovering from its impact are critical issues for the country's food security. The government aims to continue similar support measures to foster the sustainable development of the livestock sector. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo