CAPIZ – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) placed the province under a state of calamity due to the ill effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Through Resolution No. 464-2023 passed during its June 13 regular session, the SP declared the province under a state of calamity upon the recommendation of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
Capiz logged its first confirmed ASF case on Feb. 22.
As of June 6, 51.16 percent, or 242 out of the 473 barangays in the province, were affected by the hog disease, the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office report showed.
“The whole province is immensely affected by ASF, which also affected the livelihood of thousands of swine raisers and other sectors in this industry chain, thus affecting the local economy and putting it in uncertain recovery,” read part of the resolution.
Data further showed that 3,983 hog farmers were affected, and 2,650 infected hog heads were depopulated.
With the declaration, the provincial government can utilize 30 percent, or P32.6 million, of its Quick Respond Fund of the P108.8 calamity fund for necessary interventions to combat the spread of the hog infection and aid the affected hog growers.
Based on NDRRMC Memorandum Order No. 60-2019 or the Revised Guidelines for Declaring a State of Calamity, LGUs may declare a state of calamity when any of the following conditions brought about by natural and/or human-induced disasters are present:
* at least 15 percent of the forecasted affected population, based on the science-based projection, needs emergency assistance
* at least 30 percent of the means of livelihood in the agricultural, business, and industrial sectors are affected
* widespread destruction of fishponds, crops, poultry and livestock, and other agricultural products/PN
