TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
IN THE MUNICIPALITY of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, the recently celebrated Lechon Festival was more than just a display of culinary delight. It was a showcase of resilience and recovery, a triumphant celebration over the adversities posed by the African Swine Fever (ASF) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), which had decimated over 18,000 pigs in the province between April and December of the preceding year.
Lechon, the centerpiece of the festival, is a beloved dish across the Philippines, known for its crispy skin and succulent meat. This delicacy involves the slow roasting of a whole pig over an open fire, a culinary tradition that symbolizes festivity, unity, and abundance in Filipino culture.
Lechon’s popularity at celebrations, from simple family gatherings to grand fiestas, underscores the dish’s cultural significance and the collective joy it brings.
Moises Padilla is often hailed as the “Livestock Capital of Negros”. Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo thus described the Lechon Festival as “beyond meaningful.” This echoes the broader sentiment of recovery and rejuvenation across the province, which still feels the impact of the substantial losses incurred during the devastating spread of ASF and CSF.
Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson articulated the province’s ongoing struggle to recuperate from the significant toll these diseases took on the local hog population. The swift and severe impact of ASF and CSF nearly obliterated the swine industry, a critical component of the local economy.
However, Mayor Garcia-Yulo remained optimistic, stating that Moises Padilla was “beyond ready” to showcase their recovery and resilience in the face of these challenges.
The Lechon Festival held on March 15, 2024, was a bold declaration to the world that Moises Padilla, also affectionately known as the “Land of Fowls and Carabaos,” has emerged ASF- and CSF-free.
“It’s a manifestation of our small town’s victorious battle against ASF and CSF,” Garcia-Yulo proudly stated.
The festival, with 15 lechons (roasted pigs) offered for public tasting following the event’s opening, was a gesture to affirm the safety and readiness of Moises Padilla’s pork products. This gesture was not only a display of culinary excellence but also a reassurance to the community and visitors alike of the high-quality and safety of their local produce.
This year’s festival, tagged as a special edition, was aimed at conveying a powerful message: “We have overcome ASF and CSF!” Mayor Garcia-Yulo’s enthusiastic support for the provincial government’s continued prohibition on the entry of swine from other regions underscores a preventive stance against the reintroduction of these diseases.
Despite differing opinions, as seen in the contrasting executive orders by Bacolod City mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Negros Oriental governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, which allow for the free movement of hogs, Governor Lacson remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguard the province’s swine population through strict biosecurity measures.
The dichotomy of policies reflects a broader debate on balancing economic recovery with disease prevention. However, the governor’s approach, supported by Mayor Garcia-Yulo, prioritizes the long-term health and sustainability of the local hog industry, echoing a collective determination to fortify Negros Occidental against future threats.
Dr. Placeda “Ada” Lemana, chief of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, highlighted the ongoing efforts to revitalize the province’s P6-billion hog industry through repopulation and restocking initiatives.
The steadfast maintenance of the hog ban, according to Lemana, is pivotal in achieving the province’s goal to replenish its swine population, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for Negros Occidental’s agricultural sector.
As the sun set on the vibrant Lechon Festival, the air remained filled with the celebratory essence of communal triumph and the exquisite aroma of lechon — a testimony to its unmatched taste and the spirit of Moises Padilla.
This festival not only marked the resurgence of a cherished culinary tradition but also symbolized the resilient victory of Moises Padilla over the challenges of ASF and CSF.
The enduring legacy of this year’s festival will be the collective memory of its flavorful lechon, a delightful reminder of the community’s strength, unity, and the sweet taste of triumph against adversity./PN
