Bacolod City, Philippines - Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has officially lifted the ban on the entry of live pigs, pork, and pork products from other parts of the Philippines into Bacolod City.
According to Philippines News Agency, EO 09-2024 aims to satisfy the growing demand for pork products and rejuvenate the local hog industry. This move aligns with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Circular No. 22, series of 2022, which outlines a national zoning and movement plan for the prevention and control of African swine fever (ASF) and updates zone classifications.
Mayor Benitez emphasized the necessity of the directive to prevent potential shortages of essential food items while safeguarding against the spread of ASF. The decision is in step with both the DA's guidelines and local and national policies. Despite lifting the ban, the mayor stipulated that all shipments of live pigs, pork, and related products must be accompanied by the appropriate permits and documents upon entering Bacolod City.
The City Veterinary Office (CVO) has been tasked with strictly monitoring and ensuring compliance with the DA's administrative circular, particularly concerning documentary requirements. This decision came on the heels of a joint EO issued by Mayor Benitez and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on February 23, which revised their earlier joint directive from 2023. This adjustment was made to establish guidelines for the entry of pork and related products from areas previously affected by ASF.
Under the DA's current classification, Bacolod City is marked as a red (infected) zone, while Negros Occidental is identified as a dark green (free) zone, indicating no detection of ASF and considered low risk. The different classifications between Bacolod and Negros Occidental prompted the need to update the previous joint EO, following recommendations from the DA.
Governor Lacson has reiterated that Negros Occidental will maintain strict controls on the entry of live pigs, pork meat, and products from red zones to prevent a resurgence of ASF infection. He affirmed the province's commitment to stringent policies regarding the import of pork products, especially from areas designated as red zones.