By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The release of financial assistance for hog raisers in Negros Occidental affected by African swine fever and hog cholera is facing delays due to paperwork compliance issues.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said yesterday that some paperwork has already undergone processing.

However, Diaz explained that the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is currently finalizing the documents to ensure a smooth liquidation process for the cash advances.

Despite the availability of funds for the cash assistance, Diaz said that compliance with documentary requirements set by the Commission on Audit and the Provincial Accounting Office falls on the shoulders of the local government units (LGUs) and beneficiaries.

LGUs are responsible for the identification of beneficiaries, while the provincial government will double-check the list.

Diaz has also expressed the desire to release the cash assistance not later than this month, with Ilog town identified as one of the beneficiaries.

He added that the provincial government is committed to assist raisers affected by swine diseases.

Demand affects price

Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) expects that the high demand for poultry products will also affect prices in the next few days amid the holiday season.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said, based on their province-wide price monitoring, the highest price of chicken was recorded in Victorias City at P235 per kilogram, while Bago City and Moises Padilla town had the lowest price at P190 per kilo.

Lemana said that aside from pork and chicken, they are also anticipating an increase in demand for eggs, commonly used in baking, which could also lead to a price hike.

Meanwhile, in response to a proposal to sell eggs by kilo due to varying sizes and weights, Lemana said it would be better if they were sold by dozens.

The PVO assures that there is sufficient supply of poultry products in the province to meet the expected high demand this month./DGB, WDJ