San Jose, Antique - The Price Coordinating Council (PCC) of San Jose in Antique passed a resolution on Thursday urging the provincial government to regulate the shipment of swine outside the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, this measure aims to ensure an adequate supply of pork in local markets. MEEDO Officer Darcy Bungay, in an interview on Friday, called for an executive order from Governor Rhodora Cadiao to address potential pork shortages.
The resolution highlights concerns over a potential increase in pork demand during the upcoming Christmas season, necessitating regulatory measures. The local meat vendors at Dalipe Tradetown in San Jose de Buenavista had to halt operations on November 8 due to a supply shortage, attributed to the impact of African swine fever (ASF) on livestock numbers. The Tradetown Market Vendors Association (TMVA) plans to collaborate with the Sibalom Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association (SILPRA) to secure pork supply. SILPRA consolidates and sells livestock across Antique and other parts of the country. Dr. Rafael Marco Ardamil, Chief of the Public Health Division of the Antique Provincial Veterinarian Office, confirmed that ASF still poses a threat in the province. He suggested sourcing stock from unaffected municipalities, advocating for shipment regulation to maintain local supply and mitigate the impacts of higher pork prices in neighboring provinces.