Iloilo swine inventory rises amid ASF recovery

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The swine inventory in Iloilo has grown to 84,323 heads as of August 9, according to data from the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO).

The increase is attributed to the resilience of the backyard industry, which has sustained the local pork supply despite previous disruptions caused by African swine fever (ASF).

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. highlighted the province’s efforts to combat ASF during a press conference on Wednesday, August 14.

“Our pink zone is recovering; that’s why we’ve already allocated funds for the sentinel program. We are executing protocols, and although many backyard farms are now raising hogs on a smaller scale, this is what’s sustaining us right now,” Defensor said.

The provincial government has allocated PHP 4.28 million in financial aid to 357 farmers across six municipalities, funding sentinel programs to assess the presence or absence of ASF in their areas.

The municipalities of Barotac Viejo, New Lucena, Dingle, Banate, Santa Barbara, and San Miguel received funds between July 29 and August 13, which will be distributed to designated farmers.

With the current swine inventory up by 12,003 heads since January, Defensor expressed optimism that the supply of pork products for the upcoming holiday season “will be better than last year.”

Of the 28 local government units (LGUs) affected by ASF, 17 have been upgraded to pink or buffer zones, where sentinel programs are permitted.

The remaining 11 LGUs remain in the red or infected zone. The last recorded case of ASF in Iloilo occurred in San Joaquin, where 52 swine were affected.

Governor Defensor also confirmed that the ban on the entry of pork and pork by-products from certain areas in the country remains in effect due to the resurgence of ASF cases elsewhere.

The province’s current swine inventory indicates that Iloilo is 70.03% self-sufficient in pork production, with hopes that the situation will continue to improve as recovery efforts progress.