THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) reminded local chief executives not to impede the movement of pigs and efforts to rehabilitate the local livestock industry.

“It has come to our knowledge that certain local government units are not allowing the movement and dispersal of breeder pigs,” Rosendo So, Sinag chair, said in a statement sent to SunStar Pampanga.

According to Sinag, one particular case is the Evergreen Bioscience Technologies Inc. (Evergreen) hog farm in Barangay Gutad in Floridablanca in the province of Pampanga. The group alleged that a closure order and confiscation of animals were allegedly issued by the Office of the Mayor last week against the Evergreen farm.

Such closure order, according the multi-agri industry group, would subject the pigs to undue physical and psychological stress, unnecessary discomfort and pain, which are clear violation of Republic Act 10631 or the Animal Welfare Act.

“For purposes of this Act, animal welfare pertains to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. It includes, but not limited to, the avoidance of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty and exploitation of animals by humans by maintaining appropriate standards of accommodation, feeding and general care, the prevention and treatment of disease and the assurance of freedom from fear, distress, harassment, and unnecessary discomfort and pain, and allowing animals to express normal behavior,” the group said.

“We are not privy to the specifics of the case. We are just after the welfare of the animals and of our desire to rehabilitate the livestock industry that has been crippled by the African Swine Fever (ASF) for the past two years,” the group added.

On May 10, 2021, Proclamation 1143 was issued by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, placing the entire country under a State of Calamity due to the ASF.

“Under Section 2 of Proclamation 1143, all LGUS are enjoined to render full assistance in jumpstarting the rehabilitation of the hog industry.”

LGUs are mandated to assist, under Proclamation 1143, and not hinder the repopulation and rehabilitation of the hog industry.

“Yung nasa farm ng Evergreen ay breeder pigs (inahin), they are meant to help our backyard raisers and some commercial farms restart their piggery business by supplying them with these breeder pigs,” the group said.

Evergreen farm has been a supplier of breeder pigs to other farms across Central and Northern Luzon these past weeks.

“Hindi dapat madamay ang mga baboy at mga pagsisikap para matulungan ang maraming magbababoy na nawalan ng hanapbuhay dahil sa ASF. We just hope na hindi na ito pagbawalan,” added So.