Financial aid for hog raisers on hold due to election period

BACOLOD City – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental suspended the distribution of financial assistance for hog raisers affected by the recent hog mortalities due to the ongoing election period for Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not given the go ahead for the distribution.

Several of the PVO’s distribution programs are also pending, although Lemana said all beneficiaries in the 6th District have already received free hog cholera vaccines.

Other districts also received a partial amount of vaccines.

The PVO is urging hog raisers to use the vaccines in order to prevent their pigs from falling ill with hog cholera.

Lemana also revealed that another batch of vaccines will arrive soon in the province, although it may take a while as there is currently a problem with supply.

Last month, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said they are seeking an exemption from the Comelec in order for the provincial government to release the initial cash assistance to hog raisers.

The provincial government has allocated P10 million for the initial cash assistance.

The province’s hog population took a hit due to the spread of hog cholera and African Swine Fever (ASF).

However, the situation has since improved and the number of hog mortalities has drastically slowed down, PVO said. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN