Negros Occidental, three local government units (LGUs) have received vehicle disinfection facilities from the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DA-6). Each facility, valued at PHP2 million, is part of a broader initiative to control the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculturist I Eliezar Villar of the DA Regional Field Office-6, the cities of San Carlos, Escalante, and Kabankalan are among the seven regional beneficiaries under the National Livestock Program. These cities were selected due to their strategic locations as key transit points for animal transport carriers.
The automated disinfection facilities, which sanitize vehicles particularly those carrying animals, have been installed at critical entry points. San Carlos has its facility at the port area, while Escalante's facility is already operational at its port. In Kabankalan, installation was underway as of Thursday.
San Carlos and Escalante serve as entry points from Cebu province, while Kabankalan is located at the boundary between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The facilities are part of a proactive measure to prevent the spread of ASF through inter-provincial transportation.
Villar mentioned that the DA is also providing training to LGU staff on the operation and maintenance of these disinfection facilities, ensuring their effective use in the fight against ASF.