ILOILO – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas urged netizens to be cautious with social media posts on the African Swine Fever (ASF) to avoid public panic and confusion.
According to DA Region 6 information officer James Earl Ogatis, they have monitored online posts that spread unverified information on ASF.
He also emphasized that DA-6 is in close coordination with the DA central office and all local government units concerned on the ASF problem in Iloilo.
“All of our actions are in accordance with the protocols and guidelines with regards to ASF surveillance, mitigation and control,” said Ogatis.
He encouraged the public to share only the correct and reliable infographics, audio-visual presentations and social media ASF information and education campaign materials from the official social media pages of the DA, local government units and mainstream media partners.
“We encourage barangay officials to coordinate with the office of the municipal agriculturist for an organized and systematic approach in containing this disease. Magpahibalo gilayon kon nagapakita sang pagluya, wala gana magkaon, palamula sang lawas kag mata ang inyo mga alaga nga baboy,” he added.
The first cases of ASF, as confirmed by the provincial government of Iloilo, was logged in Oton town.
All corresponding actions to contain the animal disease are being undertaken by the local government unit in coordination with the provincial government and concerned agencies like the DA./PN
