NegOcc hog raisers to get P2,000 cash aid next week

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental provincial Social Welfare and  Development head Chiqui Gonzales said hog raisers in the province affected by swine diseases can start receiving the P2,000 cash assistance next week.

On top of the list are hog raisers in San Enrique town who were affected the most.

Gonzales said that the swine population of San Enrique town was almost wiped out by various hog diseases.

Some P304,000 has been allocated for 762 hog raisers in San Enrique, she added.

Gonzales further said that all 10 San Enrique barangays were affected

Hog mortalities reached 2,671 out of a total hog population of 2,692.

She said that the provincial government will be finalizing all the documentary requirements for the distribution of the cash assistance and the scheduling within this week.

Gonzales also said that the initial amount of P4.5 million has been allocated for the initial batch of affected hog raisers identified as recipients.

“This may be just the first tranche, as the payout depends on the available funds,” she pointed out.

Gonzales said that based on their inventory, only 2,250 hog raisers affected by various swine illnesses can receive the cash assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

As of July 31 report of the Provincial Animal Biosecurity Incident Management Team, a total of 4,251 hog raisers were affected by various swine diseases.

Pig deaths totaled 17,755, while damage to hog industry was valued at P198,879,325.