Negros also defies order lifting ban on processed meat

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Pork and processed meat from Luzon are still banned in Negros Occidental as a precautionary measure against African swine fever (ASF).

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Provincial Task Force on ASF, which he chairs, passed a resolution for the continuous  implementation of the ban despite a memorandum issued by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for local government units to lift the ban on products with certification from the Food and Drug Administration.

Lacson said the task force believes that lifting the ban would pose “serious and irreversible damage” to the swine industry in the province.

Provincial veterinarian Renante Decena said initial damage due to ASF was estimated at P300 million, with 15,000 backyard hog raisers affected.

Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap had earlier said he would allow the entry of processed meat from Luzon only if the Department of Agriculture would issue a guarantee letter that it would give compensation for culling and disposal of ASF-hit hogs.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia said the executive order that she issued banning pork and processed meat from ASF-infected countries and from Luzon also remains in effect.

Garcia said it is her responsibility to protect the P10.9 billion hog industry in the province and those who depend on it for their livelihood.

Siopao seized

In Bacolod City, a truckload of siopao worth P1.1 million was recently held at the port.

The shipment was sent back to Mandaue City after it was learned that the manufacturing address is Quezon City. 

In Misamis Oriental, the provincial government served 25 lechon and 125 kilos of humba, a local pork dish, and pork barbecue to residents yesterday to assure the public that hogs in the province remain ASF-free.