By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said yesterday they were forced to suspend the distribution of financial assistance for local hog raisers amid the election period.

PVO head, Dr. Placeda Lemana said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not given the go signal for the distribution.

Lemana added that some of their distribution activities are also pending.

Earlier, hog raisers affected by the recent hog deaths in the province’s 6th district had already received vaccines against hog cholera.

Other districts also received a partial supply of vaccines.

The PVO is urging hog farmers to inoculate the vaccines on their pigs for the prevention of hog cholera.

Lemana said another batch of vaccines will arrive in the province soon, but it may take awhile as there is a problem with the supply.

In August, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said they are seeking an exemption from the Comelec as they released initial cash assistance for the affected hog raisers.

The provincial government has allocated P10 million for the initial cash aid.

It could be increased through budget realignment.

The hog population in the province was affected due to the spread of hog cholera and African swine fever.

However, it improved as hog deaths have drastically slowed down./DGB, WDJ