Collective efforts attain goal in protecting swine industry

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental achieved its collective goal of protecting Negrenses and the multibillion-peso swine industry because of the committed efforts and support of all concerned.

Lacson delivered this message during the second year anniversary of the Provincial African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, Monday.

The task force is under the supervision of the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Renante Decena.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan Janoya, chairperson of the Quick Response and Quarantine Team presented a two-year accomplishment report of the ASF Task Force during the program.

Individuals, LGUs, government and private agencies, and other partners who have significant contributions that made the province remain ASF-free, were acknowledged and given awards during the program.

Lacson thanked the awardees saying that Negros Occidental is one of the few provinces which remains ASF-free.

The African Swine Fever has spread to several regions, 46 provinces, and 493 cities and municipalities, with new cases reported despite government interventions to stop the spread.

“Our prompt and timely action in enacting the ASF Prevention Ordinance and the creation of the ASF Task Force to take the lead in the implementation and enforcement of our ASF prevention and control measures, contributed substantially to our success,” Lacson added.

The governor thanked Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Board Member Andrew Montelibano, SP Committee Chairman on Agriculture, and all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, for the prompt action and solid and unequivocal support to the province’s initiative.

He also commended the PVO for the effective provision of support on the enforcement and implementation of the provincial ordinance, and the well-ordered coordination with the LGUs, government regulatory agencies, and the industry stakeholders.

Also present in the activity were mayors Salvador Escalante, Jr. of Cadiz City and Ella Celestina Yulo of Moises Padilla, and officers of Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (AHRANO) and Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association (NOHRA). (With a report from Capitol PIO)