Amid the ASF threat, NorMinHog sustains it hog shipment to Luzon to augment supply. (Photo by: BAI-NVQS)

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Associations, Inc. (NorMinHog) shipped 1,970 heads of hogs for the month of November alone to Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon to augment supply in the area.

According to NorMinHog President Leon Tan, Jr., they have sustained supplying other areas in the country aside from Mindanao regions.

NorMinHog’s response is in line with DA Secretary William D. Dar’s call in helping stabilize the supply and prices of pork in Metro Manila due to the devastating effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in some areas in Luzon.

In spite with the challenges they encountered on the limitations of hog vans, Tan shared, Oceanic Container Lines accommodated their shipment.

He also assures the public, “there is enough supply of hog with Bukidnon as the production area. The supply will come as long as the government will continue to protect the industry.”

Aside from Luzon market, their group has been supplying Samar, Leyte and CARAGA.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported, as of July 1, this year, Region 10 ranks third in production at 101,911.97 metric tons next to Central Luzon and CALABARZON, respectively.

“For now, we are only asking DA and LGU’s support in protecting the remaining green zones in the country,” Tan shared.

He added, their major problem is Mindanao, where some areas were affected with ASF.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-10 said, amid the ASF threat, region 10’s hog supply remains stable.

As of December 1, DA-10’s hog price monitoring, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), average buying price of live weight hogs for commercial farms pegs at P99 per kilogram, while backyard farms at an average of P108.30 per kilogram.

Collado added, the department closely works with the local government and continues to strictly monitor the possible entry of pork and its by-products from other areas in Mindanao.

Bukidnon alone through its Provincial Veterinary Office has established 13 provincial veterinary sanitation checkpoints to ensure all entry points will be monitored.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga added, “Because of the high demands from external markets though we have more than enough supply of pork, local price might be affected but this will not go up as high as expected because of the purchasing power of the consumers during this time of pandemic.”

With the P19 billion swine industry of Northern Mindanao and stable supply, Tan appeals to the government to give more attention to the deadly virus.

“Given with the availability of vessel and favorable condition, we can supply other areas. We need to work together to suppress this disease and help our countrymen, especially in Luzon with their supply,” he concluded. #(ATCabig)