Capiz eyes state of calamity declaration due to ASF

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The provincial government is pushing to place the entire province of Capiz under a state of calamity after 242 of the 473 barangays were affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) called an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon where Dr. Leonel Abordo of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian presented the status of hog production in the province.

Abordo said 51 percent of barangays in Capiz were affected by ASF.

There are 3,983 hog raisers in Capiz and 28,577 hogs were killed or disposed of because of ailment.

Based on data, the ASF affected 15 barangays in Panay; 1 in Dumarao; 21 in Pilar; 30 in Roxas City; 18 in President Roxas; 7 in Tapaz; 26 in Panitan; 26 in Pontevedra; 15 in Ivisan; 10 in Sapian; 8 in Sigma; 3 in Cuartero and 20 in Dao.

Jamindan remains free of the infection.

Reports indicated that suspected ASF cases in Mambusao and Dumalag are undergoing laboratory tests.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) will call for a special session anytime to adopt the resolution passed by the PDDRMO placing Capiz under a state of calamity.