BACOLOD City – Despite the challenges posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) and hog cholera on local swine populations, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental has confirmed an adequate pork supply for the forthcoming Christmas season.
Dr. Placeda Lemana, PVO head, reported that the demand for pork surged during the recent MassKara Festival and the “Fiesta Minatay” celebrations, yet supply remained steady.
Price monitoring is ongoing in the province, with current rates for pork ranging from P300 to P315 per kilogram in Bacolod and Talisay cities and in the municipality of E.B. Magalona.
Sipalay City boasts the lowest price at P230 per kilogram.
In response to the adverse effects of swine diseases on local hog farmers, Lemana noted that the necessary documents for financial assistance have been submitted to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, ensuring that affected raisers will receive their aid promptly, particularly as the election-related ban on financial distributions nears its end.
The local government had sought an exemption from the Commission on Elections regarding the election spending ban for the disbursement of aid to hog farmers, but had to delay distribution pending the commission’s approval. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
