The Office of the President has committed to set aside funds to assist hog raisers affected by the spread of the African Swine Fever in the country.
The use of the OP contingent funds was approved by President Duterte following the request made by Agriculture Secretary William Dar during the Cabinet meeting in Malacañang last Wednesday, according to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo.
“To address the issue on African Swine Fever, the Chief Executive approved Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s request to use the remaining contingent fund of the Office of the President for the indemnification of hog raisers,” Panelo said.
Agriculture Secretary Dar has reportedly sought R1 billion from OP to augment the assistance package for the affected hog raisers.
Also approved by the President during the Cabinet meeting was the establishment of cold storage areas in the ports of Manila, Subic, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao “for 100 percent monitoring of meat products’ entry,” Panelo said.
The President’s latest directives came as the government stepped up efforts to contain and stop the outbreak of the viral disease affecting pigs in the country.
Around 70,000 pigs have been culled by agriculture authorities since the ASF hit the country last August.
ASF cases have been reported in Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and a number of areas in Metro Manila.
Duterte has ordered all government agencies to coordinate, as well as adopt policies and institute measures, to manage, contain, and control the transmission of ASF in the country.
Concerned government offices have also been directed to provide assistance, alternative livelihood, and skills training to those affected by ASF. (Genalyn Kabiling)