During a meeting led by Mayor Greg Gasataya together with members of the Bacolod City ASF Task Force, officials agreed to implement stronger measures to prevent the possible resurgence and spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting hogs.

There are currently no confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the city. However, cases have been confirmed in several areas in southern Negros Occidental, according to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.

Through an executive order to be issued by the mayor, the city will intensify monitoring in 13 identified border control areas, including seaports, to strengthen surveillance, inspection, and monitoring activities.

The city will also impose a ban on imported pork and pork products to protect hog raisers, vendors, transporters, and consumers who are part of the province’s billion-peso swine industry.

“We have identified 13 areas where supplies could possibly pass through. We will also ban the entry of imported pork and pork products, particularly those without the necessary permits from concerned agencies,” Gasataya said.

However, coordination among concerned agencies will be further strengthened to strictly monitor and prevent the entry and sale of hot meat, as well as pork and pork meat products lacking the required documentation from slaughterhouses and other regulatory requirements.

With the support of stakeholders and partner agencies, including the City Veterinary Office, City Health Office, City Legal Office, Bacolod City Police Office, Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime Group, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Food and Drug Administration, and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), authorities hope to prevent ASF from affecting the city and the entire island of Negros.(BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)