The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun accepting indemnification applications from hog raisers in Negros Oriental whose pigs were culled due to the African swine fever (ASF).
Bernard Limbaga, head of the DA-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) in Negros Oriental, said Wednesday, August 5, that hog farmers affected by government-led ASF depopulation efforts may apply for financial assistance.
Limbaga said the amount of indemnification depends on the type of hogs culled, with compensation generally covering adult pigs such as boars and sows, while suckling piglets may not qualify.
He said both Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC)-registered hog raisers and unregistered backyard farmers may avail of the government assistance, provided they meet the documentary requirements.
In La Libertad town, Municipal Agriculture Officer Markim Cu said only one backyard hog raiser has so far applied for indemnification.
The farmer from Sitio Pisok, Barangay Pisong, lost eight pigs to culling after one tested positive for ASF.
Cu said the remaining pigs were culled because they had been exposed to the infected animal, while four other pigs that also tested positive had already died before laboratory confirmation and are therefore not covered by the indemnification program.
He added that no new ASF cases have been recorded in La Libertad.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Melody Vilan encouraged hog raisers in ASF-affected areas, including Tanjay City, Amlan, Siaton, and Bayawan City, to apply for indemnification if they are eligible.
She also urged farmers to register their animals with the PCIC to ensure access to compensation in case of future outbreaks, although she noted that the insurance agency is running low on funds and some claims may not be released until next year.
Meanwhile, Bayawan City has confirmed ASF cases at its Livestock Breeding Center after 14 of 35 blood samples tested positive.
City Veterinarian Dr. Saturnino Dayanan Jr. said laboratory results from the Bureau of Animal Industry were received late Monday.
He said culling operations are set to begin Thursday, with around 60 pigs scheduled for depopulation.
Dayanan said no ASF cases have been detected in other barangays in Bayawan City, adding that strict biosecurity measures are in place to contain the outbreak within the local government-run breeding facility.*PNA
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