BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental has stepped up its monitoring of pork products from Guimaras as the ferry link between the island province to Pulupandan town resumed after more than two years of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Placeda Lemana, PVO officer-in-charge, said inspectors will be posted at the Pulupandan seaport to monitor and intercept passengers carrying pork and pork byproducts from Guimaras.
The towns of Buenavista and Jordan in Guimaras have been declared as ASF red zones. Cases have been detected there.
Lemana noted that most of the commercial hog farms in Negros Occidental are located in the 4th District.
She also said local government units (LGUs) as well as villages are supportive of the province’s campaign against the entry of ASF.
Meanwhile, NaviMar Shipping announced they will be launching ferry services between Pulupandan’s Paco Beach and Sebaste wharf in Sibunag, Guimaras today.
According to the company’s official social media page, the trips are still on a dry-run stage, with fares at P220.
The company also reminded passengers that carrying pork and pork byproducts is strictly prohibited as part of anti-ASF protocols./PN
