Batangas initiates pig dispersal project in ASF-cleared areas
BATANGAS Capitol — The Batangas provincial government led by the Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet) has started the pig dispersal project in local areas which have been African Swine Fever (ASF)-free.
The project aims to give a fresh start to the estimated 720 pig farmers in various towns and cities where there are no recorded cases of ASF.
Sixty pig farmers per town will receive piglets. Recipients include those from Lipa City and the towns of Taysan, San Jose, Nasugbu, Rosario, and Malvar. They will also be provided with feeds, disinfectants, dewormers, and vitamins from the Department of Agriculture – Livestock Division.
Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Rommel Marasigan shared Gov. Dodo Mandanas and the entire provincial government’s fully support to Batangueño hog farmers.
Marasigan said one of the governor’s priorities is to re-raise the quality of livestock in the province.
The pork recipients, on the other hand, were thankful for giving them hope to recover from their collapsed livelihoods. They added that they will continue to implement Bantay ASF in their respective areas and will continue to support all activities of the provincial government.
The International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITC-PH), based in Lipa City, had declared Batangas as the first province in the Philippines to be ASF-free, after 16 months of implementing steps to get rid of the swine disease.
