President approves use of remaining contingency fund to aid hog raisers affected by ASF

Maris Federez
Pigs in a backyard piggery are seen before culling after symptoms of African Swine Fever (ASF) were detected in the Pasong Tamo village of Quezon City, Philippines, 03 October 2019. According to local media reports, three other areas of Quezon City have registered cases of ASF, as the Philippines Department of Agriculture urged pig traders not to transport pigs from affected areas to prevent the virus from spreading any further. EPA-EFE/ROLEX DELA PENA


MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the use of the remaining of the contingency fund of his office to extend assistance to the hog raisers who were affected by African Swine Fever (ASF).

This is one of the concerns brought up in the 43rd cabinet meeting with the President.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said such a measure is necessary given the current state of the hog industry.

“It is necessary because we need funds to help in the—in the drive. We need to help the hog raisers,” Panelo said.

Reports said that the hog industry had already lost billions of pesos and that around 70,000 pigs have now been put to death due to ASF infection since August.

According to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar, the said contingency fund amounts to P1-Billion.  (from the report of Rosalie Coz) /mbmf 

The post President approves use of remaining contingency fund to aid hog raisers affected by ASF appeared first on UNTV News.