Iloilo City eligible to be declared ASF-free

Iloilo City is now eligible to be declared African Swine Fever (ASF)-free, based on the assessment made by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas.

DA-6 regional executive director Dennis R. Arpia, in a letter to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, informed the latter that the required documents submitted by the city government for the local declaration of “ASF-free” was found in compliance with Sections 4.1 to 4.2 of the DA Administrative Order No. 30 Series of 2021 “Guidelines for the Recovery and Declaration of Freedom from African Swine Fever (ASF) for Local Government Units (LGU).

“With this, may we recommend based on the guidelines stated in the related policies the City of Iloilo may now pursue your ‘Local Declaration for ASF Freedom’, Arpia said as he further commended the efforts of the Iloilo City Task Force African Swine Fever (TF-ASF) against the hog disease.

Meanwhile, Treñas said the city has already opened its borders to hogs and pork products from other areas.

The city mayor is hopeful that with the declaration, the city hog raisers will gradually start to repopulate, and the prices of pork will eventually go down.

He added the city also looks forward to the availability of the vaccine against ASF.

To recall, the city started to record positive cases of ASF in 2022.

City Veterinarian Dr. Fernando J. Abulencia said this recent achievement is a testament to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ dedication in prioritizing food safety, public health, and local economy in his programs.

“We extend our gratitude to all barangay officials who have been instrumental partners in closely monitoring the situation and preventing further ASF infections,” he added.

The City Veterinary Office also expressed commendation and appreciation to the city’s ASF task force and all stakeholders and residents for their vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.

“This success story is a shining example of what can be accomplished through cooperation and collective effort,” Abulencia added. (Iloilo City PIO)