At least 2,497 raisers in Negros Occidental have reported losses amounting to P145.6 million due to swine deaths, mainly caused by hog cholera, a report from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed.

Based on the data gathered as of Thursday afternoon, June 15, the swine mortalities have affected 17 out of the 31 local government units in the province, excluding capital Bacolod City.

Still, the worst-hit are the localities in the fourth district, with total losses of P111.154 million, affecting the municipalities of San Enrique, Valladolid, Pulupandan, and Pontevedra as well as the cities of Bago and La Carlota.

In the third district, losses were pegged at P12.875 million; sixth district, P11.1 million; second district, P6.01 million; and fifth district, P4.45 million.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said if the Department of Agriculture is giving out assistance to provinces affected by hog deaths, he will appeal that Negros Occidental be included.

“The funds that we have identified are from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. We have not made any list yet but again it’s a very limited fund,” he added.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II had earlier said the release of P2,000 for each family with reported swine deaths is based on the recommendation of the PVO.

Aside from the cash assistance, the province also plans to provide alternative sources of livelihood, such as chicken breeding.

“The procedure on how to claim and who will be the priority will be discussed by the Incident Management Team for orderly and fair distribution of assistance,” Diaz said. (PNA)