AMID ASF OUTBREAK: Stakeholders asked to buy local pork products

By: Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras asked hotels, restaurants, resorts owners and other stakeholders in the province to patronize local pork and other processed meat products amid the African Swine Fever(ASF) outbreak.

Contreras said buying local pork products is one way to prevent the entry of ASF in the province.

He also asked stakeholders to ban pork, processed and canned meat products from other countries and parts of Luzon where the ASF virus was detected.

The only meat products that the public can buy are those covered by the Veterinary Health Certificate, Meat Inspection Certificate from the National Meat Inspection Service, and Shipping Transport Permit.

The ASF virus was detected in Rizal and Bulacan where several hogs died.

Contreras also advised the stakeholders to dispose their food and kitchen wastes properly to avoid being eaten by pigs.

The governor asked the help of the public to monitor the illegal distribution of meats and other pork products and to report to the proper authorities.