BACOLOD City – The city government has officially declared Bacolod as free from African Swine Fever (ASF) following months of stringent disease control measures and veterinary surveillance.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez issued Executive Order No. 11 yesterday, formally declaring the city’s ASF-free status. This comes after the confirmation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6, through Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia, that Bacolod City met the necessary requirements under DA Administrative Order No. 30, Series of 2021 for the declaration.
In his letter dated April 30, 2025, Arpia stated that the documents submitted by the City Veterinary Office (CVO) were found to be in full compliance with Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the administrative order.
“The DA-6 commended the efforts of Bacolod’s Local ASF Task Force, and recommended that the city’s classification be updated from an infected zone (red) to a buffer zone (pink), in line with national guidelines,” Mayor Benitez said.
The local ASF-free declaration reflects Bacolod’s success in managing the outbreak and underscores the city’s commitment to public health and food safety. This achievement brings renewed economic stability and consumer confidence in the city’s pork industry.
The outgoing mayor, who was recently elected as congressman of Bacolod’s Lone District, said the declaration was based on the recommendation of the CVO and emphasized the city’s continuing efforts to maintain its pink zone status under DA guidelines.
The move is grounded in Section 16 of the Local Government Code, which authorizes LGUs to exercise powers necessary for the promotion of general welfare, including disease control and public safety.
It was in mid-2023 when Bacolod, along with other areas in Negros Occidental, reported outbreaks of ASF, affecting local hog raisers. In response, the city government implemented containment measures and extended financial assistance to affected backyard and commercial hog farmers.
With its new ASF-free status, Bacolod can now look forward to reviving and strengthening its pork production sector, which plays a vital role in the local economy./PN
