SEN NANCY: 'BRGY WORKERS CAN HELP CONTAIN AFRICAN SWINE FEVER'
...says local execs can encourage hog raisers to adapt strict quarantine measures

"Tulungan natin ang mga maliliit na backyard hog raisers na muling makabangon. It was already hard for them to see their pigs die and culled. Barangay officials can help contain ASF by encouraging them to adapt biosecurity practices in every stage of swine raising."

This is what Sen. Nancy Binay said as she called on barangay workers to help in containing the outbreak of African swine fever in the country.

The senator said that due to the intimate knowledge of barangay workers of their respective constituencies, they could be crucial in monitoring hog raisers whose livestock are affected by the outbreak.

"Yung biosecurity ay malaking challenge na sa mga nag-aalaga ng baboy. Ipaunawa natin sa kanila kung gaano ito kahalaga. Barangay officials can encourage backyard raisers to notify them or representatives of the LGU or DA to report if there's something wrong with their pigs," Binay added.

Barangay workers have the trust and confidence of residents in their community, and could be effective bridges between hog raisers and municipal or city veterinarians and the Department of Agriculture.

"Nananawagan ako sa mga barangay workers natin, kayo na po ang lumapit sa mga hog raisers natin, lalo na sa mga backyard raisers, lalo pa't undermanned ang mga local agricultural offices natin," Binay said.

The senator also stressed that establishing an effective partnership among the DA, local officials, and hog raisers is of paramount importance to ensure that the outbreak does not worsen into an epidemic.

"Kung hahayaan lang natin unchecked ang ASF sa mga commercial farms at backyard property, may malaking impact ito sa buong livestock industry. It can ruin supply, change food flows, impact food security and eventually hurt the economy," Binay pointed out.

CULLING

Also of primary concern, Binay said, is the proper disposal of culled pigs.

She urged local governments to identify disposal sites and to be active in informing hog raisers in the community about these venues.

"Huwag po nating tularan iyong mga basta na lang itinapon sa ilog ang mga namatay na baboy," she said.

The Department of Agriculture reported that more than 7,400 pigs in farms in Antipolo City and Rodriguez in Rizal province, and in Guiguinto, Bulacan have been culled to prevent the spread of ASF.