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The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated PHP41.6 million for the recovery program of 18 localities and the province of Pangasinan that were affected by the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).
The beneficiaries of the program are the towns of Agno, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Dasol, Infanta, Binmaley, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Mangaldan, Asingan, Natividad, Umingan, San Carlos City, including the provincial government of Pangasinan.
In an interview on Thursday, provincial assistant veterinarian Dr. Jovito Tabajeros said the local government units (LGUs) are now preparing for the ASF recovery program by cleaning and disinfecting the areas where the sentinel hogs will be placed.
He said the DA allotted over PHP38 million initial funding for the sentinel animals, while the additional PHP41.6 million was allocated for the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) program.
The beneficiaries were clustered and each cluster will be given 45 head of hogs with feed and vitamins, among others things.
In a separate interview, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said Pangasinan is now recovering from ASF since the province has not recorded any case for more than a month.
“LGUs and hog raisers are still monitoring ASF-affected areas so that it will not spread again. This will be continuously monitored by way of introducing sentinel pigs and if the sentinel animals will no longer be affected, then the areas will be declared under the pink zone, meaning they can already sell their hogs,” he said.
July 23, 2021/ Philippines News Agency/ Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph
