By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson gave assurance that the financial assistance, allotted for hog raisers affected by the recent hog deaths in the province, will not be used for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Lacson assured Negrenses that the financial aid would not go to election aspirants as they would strictly adhere to the election code.

The funds will be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation.

Lacson emphasized that the budget is limited and will be specifically allocated to affected hog owners.

He added that they have not received information from the Department of Agriculture (DA) about a list of provinces affected by African swine fever.

Lacson also hopes the DA will include Negros Occidental if financial assistance is provided by other national government agencies.

Earlier, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the provincial government would provide cash assistance of P2,000, and free-range chickens as an alternative livelihood for affected raisers.​

Based on the latest data from the Provincial Veterinary Office, as of June 13, the number of swine mortalities in Negros Occidental is now at 12,560, with losses at P141,613,200./DGB, WDJ