Photo Release

February 22, 2021

Reconcile the figures: Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan says there is a need to reconcile the different figures presented by the Department of Agriculture and the hog industry sector in terms of the damages brought about by the African swine fever (ASF) so as to mitigate their effects and address their budgetary requirements. Pangilinan, during the virtual hearing of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Monday, February 22, 2021, on the soaring prices of basic commodities, noted that according to the DA, the damage to hog industry due to ASF reached P56 billion on the basis of 400,000 culled hogs. The industry sector, on the other hand, claimed that about 4 million hogs have already been culled. At the same time, Pangilinan said it is more confusing that of the P27 billion loan, about P500 million will be in the form of assistance to hog raisers and it does not include the amount of insurance to the affected sector. “What is really the program (of the DA) and the fund to be allotted (to mitigate the effects of ASF) to the industry?” Pangilinan asked. (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)

Photos