THE transporting of hogs appeared to be unguarded in some places in Bohol despite the ban of doing it without permit.
This paper was able to observe and shot at a boar loaded in a motorcycle with a side car being transported along the national highway in the towns of Dagohoy and Pilar last week despite the pronouncement that check points are strictly carried out.
In an ocular visit last week of barangay San Vicente, Pilar, Bohol, where the outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected weeks back, it was found out that nobody manned the check point at the entry leading to purok 6.
Another discovery is that only one barangay tanod was manning the check point (near the elementary) school at the entry leading to the San Vicente swimming pool.
In Mabini town, there was the checkpoint before the town proper of Mabini and another checkpoint for ASF at the barangay Pagahat along the border of Alicia and Candijay towns.
Earlier on, Gov. Aris C. Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 37 on July 28, 2023, Preventing the Movement and Transport of Swine, Pork, and Pork Products Outside of Areas Identified as Having Suspected or Confirmed Cases of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the report of the Agriculture Committee chaired by Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor A. Balite, a Resolution requesting the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in close coordination with the Municipal Agricultural Office of the Municipality of Pilar, Bohol, to facilitate the processing of documentary requirements for the timely release of financial assistance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and the Provincial Government of Bohol to the affected hog raisers.
Another legislative measure approved was the Resolution, requesting the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian to strengthen its information drive on ASF starting at the barangay level and strongly encouraging hog raisers to avail of the insurance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) as a safety net to recover part of their investments in the event of ASF infection. (rvo)
