Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that with committed efforts and support of all concerned, Negros Occidental has achieved its collective goal of protecting Negrenses and the multi-billion swine industry of the province.

The governor delivered his message at the second year celebration of the Provincial African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City last Monday.

The task force is under the supervision of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) headed by Dr. Renante Decena.

Dr. Ryan Janoya, chairperson of the Quick Response and Quarantine Team, presented a two-year accomplishment report of the ASF Task Force during the program.

Individuals, local government units (LGUs), government and private agencies, and other partners who have significant contributions that made the province remain ASF-free were acknowledged and given awards during the program.

Lacson thanked the awardees and said that Negros Occidental is one of the few provinces which remains ASF-free; though as of today, the ASF in the country has spread to several regions, 46 provinces, and 493 cities and municipalities, with new cases reported despite government interventions to stop the spread.

“Our prompt and timely action in enacting the ASF Prevention Ordinance and the creation of the ASF Task Force to take the lead in the implementation and enforcement of our ASF prevention and control measures, contributed substantially to our success,” he added.

The governor also thanked Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer; Board Member Andrew Montelibano; SP Committee Chairman on Agriculture,; and all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members for the prompt action and solid and unequivocal support to the province’s initiative.

He also commended the PVO for the effective provision of support on the enforcement and implementation of the provincial ordinance, and the well-ordered coordination with the LGUs, government regulatory agencies, and the industry stakeholders./WDJ