CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---Bataan province was placed under a state of calamity after an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) was reported by the Provincial Veterinary Office in the towns of Hermosa, Morong, Orion, Pilar and Samal.
The declaration placing the province under a state of calamity was approved by Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III last July 9.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution seeking immediate and long-term solutions to cases of ASF that affected some 25 percent of piggeries in the province.
Under a state of calamity, appropriate support will be extended by the provincial government to affected hog farms and avert possible price increases of basic and essential commodities.
With the declaration of a state of calamity, the Bataan provincial government may use part of its quick response fund to curb the spread of ASF in the province.
The local government may also control the entry of affected hogs into Bataan to protect 75 percent of piggeries in the province not yet affected by ASF.
The Bataan Provincial Veterinary Office said on July 4 that 333 pigs from 17 registered backyard hog raisers in the province were ASF-positive.
Some additional 287 hogs have been tested and results are still being awaited.
Garciabon Tuesday assured the public that pork in the market and other accredited hog meat outlets are safe after passing rigid inspection.
"We are advising our consumers not to panic or be scared because our government is implementing measures to find solutions to the ASF problem," he said.
