Negros Oriental Provides Financial Assistance to 4,000 Swine Farmers Affected by African Swine Fever

Negros Oriental, Philippines – Some 4,000 swine farmers in Negros Oriental have received financial aid from the provincial government to mitigate the impact of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. The assistance aims to help them recover from the losses incurred due to the disease affecting their livestock.

According to Philippines News Agency, the financial aid was distributed based on a list of affected farmers provided by local government units (LGUs). Jaymar Vilos, PVO information officer-designate, reported that the provincial government has distributed approximately PHP22 million in cash or checks to the affected swine farmers. The beneficiaries, who hail from various municipalities including Basay, Zamboanguita, Dauin, Valencia, and several others, were entitled to PHP3,000 for each swine, up to a maximum of five animals or PHP15,000 per farmer.

The program was funded by a PHP30 million budget allocated last year for ASF claims, as part of a mandated effort to support farmers during outbreaks. Despite the efforts, Vilos noted that the total number of hogs lost to ASF in the region since last year is difficult to estimate due to underreporting in some areas affected by the viral disease.