A LECHON eating was held Tuesday, November 26, at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol to promote Negros Occidental as free from the African Swine Fever (ASF).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer officially signed Provincial Ordinance 2019-024, otherwise known as The ASF Prevention Ordinance of Negros Occidental.
Dr. Renante Decena, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said that aside from the lechon eating, they will also give out gift certificates and samples of locally made ham and other pork products that will highlight the declaration of the province as ASF-free.
Board Member Pal Guanzon, who sponsored Ordinance 1042, Series of 2019 declaring Negros Occidental as an ASF-free province, pushed for the lechon eating Tuesday to get rid of the public's fear on ASF.
Decena also pointed out that the local consumption went down after the declaration of Luzon that they are affected of ASF.
"It is incumbent upon government intervention after we are declared free from ASF," he added, saying that 20 to 30 percent pork consumption have declined.
"But now, we have recovered. And based on record, the increase in prices of beef and chicken and even eggs by an average of more than P1 per piece contributes to higher consumption of pork. Since November 15, the pork consumption has started to pick- up," Decena said.
He said eight pieces of lechon were served Tuesday, November 26, to be shared to all stakeholders, department heads, members of the Provincial Board, task force members, media and hog raisers.