By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government is currently considering a complete ban on the movement of pork products amid the ongoing African swine fever threat. Provincial veterinary officer, Dr. Renante Decena, said the proposal was made after other provinces adopted similar policies in an effort to prevent the entry of the virus into their areas of jurisdiction.
Among the areas proposing such a ban include Bohol, Cebu, Panay, and some areas in Mindanao.
Decena explained, if the ban were enacted, live hogs and other pork-related products originating from areas of the country, along with other countries, identified by the Department of Agriculture as being affected by the virus cannot enter the province.
The provincial official also stated the temporary ban will last until December 18, although they are expecting a new ordinance could prolong the ban.
Meanwhile, with the Christmas holidays just a few weeks away, local pork producers assured there is enough pork supply to meet demand until the end of the year./DGB, WDJ