Pork Ban in Negros Oriental lifted
On Wednesday, 21st of February 2024, Governor Sagarbarria took decisive action by issuing an Executive Order in response to the soaring pork prices caused by a supply shortage. The pork ban on importation in Negros Oriental had been imposed following the devastation caused by the African Swine Fever (ASF) last year, leading to a significant decline in the pig population.
To revive the struggling pork industry in Negros Oriental, Governor Chaco Sagarbarria signed Executive Order No. 10, effectively provides guidelines on the transport and movement of live pigs, pork products, and by-products into the province. This decision marks a significant turning point following the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that wreaked havoc on the pork industry in the Philippines.
Last year’s ASF outbreak led to the culling of over 300,000 pigs nationwide, causing a sharp 20.8% decline in pork production growth. The repercussions were felt not only by hog raisers but also by consumers, as pork prices soared due to the imbalance in supply and demand.
In a press briefing held at the Provincial Governor’s Office in Dumaguete City on February 21, 2024, Governor Sagarbarria expressed optimism about the positive impact of Executive Order No. 10 on the local economy. By reopening the province’s borders to hog raisers, the Governor aims to create opportunities for businesses to flourish and contribute to a cost-effective market economy in Negros Oriental.
As the ASF cases in the province decreased, Governor Sagarbarria categorized Negros Oriental into five zones:
- Red Zone: Includes towns or cities with confirmed ASF outbreaks.
- Pink Zone: Encompasses areas around the Red Zone without reported ASF cases.
- Yellow Zone: Covers areas adjacent to the Pink Zone with no reported ASF cases.
- Light Green Zone: Includes towns or cities where ASF is not detected, considered “moderate risk” areas.
- Dark Green Zone: Encompasses areas considered “low-risk,” where trading of hogs and livestock is permitted.
The decision to lift the ban comes as a welcome relief to hog raisers and consumers alike, who have been grappling with the aftermath of the ASF outbreak. Governor Sagarbarria’s proactive measures are geared towards fostering economic growth, stabilizing pork prices, and ensuring a sustainable future for the pork industry in the province.
As Negros Oriental prepares to welcome back hog raisers and pork products, all eyes are on the implementation of the new executive order and its potential to drive a much-needed resurgence in the local pork industry. The lifting of the ban signals a new chapter for Negros Oriental’s agricultural sector, offering hope for a brighter future for farmers and consumers in the province.
Governor Sagarbarria expressed confidence that lifting the ban would stimulate local businesses and contribute to a more cost-effective market economy.
Interestingly, this Executive Order coincided with a tragic incident on the same day, where 15 livestock traders lost their lives when the truck, they were traveling in, fell into a ravine in Barangay Bulwang, Mabinay.
