DA-10 caps off its ASF indemnification payments to MisOr affected hog farmers with the recent distribution of P9.11-M.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- In support to backyard hog raisers stricken by the African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado paid fully the remaining P9.11 million (M) to complete the set P66.11-M for ASF indemnification assistance in the region.
On November 23-25, 2021, the agency distributed indemnity to some barangays of Cagayan de Oro City and the different municipalities of Misamis Oriental which includes Balingasag, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Manticao, Opol, and El Salvador City for its last batch payment.
In El Salvador City, young hog farmer Archie M. Apus said, “Malaki ang tulong nito [ASF indemnification] sa aming pamilya dahil ang pagbababoy ang inaasahan namin na pangkabuhayan at pangpa-aral. Sa ngayon, ang matitirang pera para sa pangmatrikula ibibigay ko sa aking magulang para puhunan sa maliit na negosyo.”
Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured, that the agency will continue to provide farmers with technical or financial assistance.
Madriaga added that the agency strongly pursues its efforts to contain, manage and regulate the ASF, and afterward, recover the region’s swine industry.
She encouraged hog growers to avail themselves of insurance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC).
As of July 1, 2021, all insurance and indemnification will be covered by PCIC, with a 1.75% premium for fatteners and 3.5 percent for breeders, which are waived as free for backyard raisers.
The insurance covers P10,000 per head for fatteners, P14,500 per head for breeders, and P34,000 per head for parent stocks.
DA-10 ASF focal person Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling urged hog raisers to observe biosecurity measures to prevent their hogs from ASF contamination.
He said that its implementation will also help in repopulating hogs in ASF-affected areas.
Repopulation for ASF-stricken areas from early this year until June will take start in the first quarter of 2022.
Villanueva Mayor Jennie Rosalie T. Uy-Mendez said they will wait for DA’s notice for repopulation which includes the conduct of a series of tests, cleaning, and disinfection to abate disease outbreak, further adding that it will help in reviving the swine industry, not only in our municipality but the whole region, as well.
“To the local government units and the communities, be vigilant in the entry of hogs and swine products and by-products that may cause the spread of the virus,” she added.
In total, 3,294 ASF affected farmers with 13,223 culled hogs were paid completely since April this year, where the agency covers P5,000.00 for each hog depopulated on account of the ASF contagion.
On top of the ASF indemnification, recipients have also received food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. # (JCAnito)