Iloilo steps up backyard farm biosecurity training vs. ASF
ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government is intensifying biosecurity training for backyard hog raisers to guard against African swine fever (ASF), even as the province has recorded no new cases for more than a year.
Provincial veterinarian Darel Tabuada said efforts are now focused on strengthening on-farm practices rather than border controls.
To support this, the provincial government has allocated ₱1 million for biosecurity training targeting livestock farmers. The program will be conducted in a proposed demo site—a bio-secured backyard farm—in the municipality of Tigbauan.
Tabuada said that while the swine industry in the province has begun to recover, farmers must remain vigilant and continue improving animal husbandry practices, especially as hog populations increase.
The procurement process for the training program is currently underway, with implementation expected to begin in May.
He also noted that more than half of the 28 local government units previously affected by ASF have now transitioned to “pink zones” or buffer areas.
Under the Department of Agriculture’s sentinel program, hog raising is allowed in these zones but on a controlled and staggered basis to ensure safe repopulation and prevent disease resurgence.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
