CAPIZ – As more towns in neighboring Iloilo province were affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), the provincial government of Capiz resolved to strengthen its guard against the possible entry of the hog disease.
Just recently, as per instruction from Gov. Fredenil Castro, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), headed by Vice Gov. James “Mitang” Magbanua, and the provincial government’s department heads held a consultative meeting and focus group discussion for ASF prevention and control.
According to Magbanua, the province must prepare for the worst-case scenario if ASF infiltrates and affects the province’s hog industry.
Among the planned measures to be taken are the establishment of a buffer zone or containment zone if there is already a positive case in a barangay or town; purchase or rental of a cold storage facility for hog meat; and a possible fund allotment for the purchase of uninfected hogs from hog farms in declared ASF areas.
Others who attended the consultative meeting were the following: Capiz provincial veterinarian, Dr. Leonel Aburdo, Provincial Board member Jonathan Besa, provincial budget officer Tony Arbis, provincial general services officer Eduardo Apa-ap II, provincial agriculturist Syvia Dela Cruz, provincial planning and development officer Wilar De Los Santos, and Provincial Legal Office representative Ma. Kristina Gigawin./PN
