8 ORIENTAL MINDORO TOWNS UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO ASF

EIGHT municipalities in Oriental Mindoro were placed under a state of calamity due to the impact of African swine fever (ASF) on their pigs.

Under a state of calamity were the towns of Roxas, Mansalay, Pola, Bulalacao, Bongabong, Bansud, Pinamalayan, and Naujan.

Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor declared a state of calamity for municipalities of Bulalacao, Bongabong, Bansud, Pinamalayan, and Naujan, as approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz of Pola declared a state of calamity for their municipality.

The state of calamity was initially declared in Roxas and Mansalay towns in October.

Mayor Cruz said that four barangays in Pola are affected by ASF. She said they also received reports of dead pigs in other barangays.

According to the mayor, most of those affected are backyard hog raisers.

Governor Dolor estimates millions of pesos in losses due to the ASF.

The governor assured that they are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of the hog illness throughout the province.

Meanwhile, the testing kits and test tubes purchased by the provincial government have arrived to be used for rapid testing of pigs.

Dolor explained that pigs can still be transported for sale as long as they are from safe zones, indicated by green, yellow, or pink categories.

However, he said the pigs must undergo the “test ship” policy to ensure they are safe.

The governor also assured financial assistance to owners of the affected pigs.