By CESAR JOLITO III
The Hinoba-an municipal government has strengthened measures against the entry of imported and potentially unsafe meat products to protect the local hog industry from the threat of African swine fever (ASF).
Executive Order (EO) No. 26, issued by Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, regulates the entry, transport, storage, and sale of imported meat products within the municipality as part of biosecurity efforts.
Under the EO, municipal authorities are authorized to conduct border monitoring and random inspections at checkpoints, public markets and other points of entry to ensure that meat products being sold and distributed in Hinoba-an are properly documented, safe for consumption and compliant with government regulations.
The measure was prompted by the continued risk posed by ASF, particularly with reported cases in nearby areas.
The municipal government stressed that preventing the entry of imported or smuggled meat is crucial in keeping the municipality free from the disease while protecting the livelihood of local hog raisers.
The order requires traders, transporters and vendors to present complete documentation during inspections, including an import or veterinary quarantine clearance from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry; a certificate of meat inspection from the National Meat Inspection Service; shipping documents such as invoices, delivery receipts or waybills; and a valid business or mayor’s permit.
Authorities warned that imported meat products lacking the required documents will not be allowed to enter, be transported, stored or sold within the municipality.
The local government is also encouraging residents to support locally produced pork and meat products, saying this will help strengthen food security, protect consumers and provide fair market opportunities for local hog raisers who have long-faced competition from imported meat.
Officials clarified that the executive order does not restrict the movement or sale of locally raised hogs. Farmers and suppliers may continue transporting and marketing their livestock to buyers in other areas, including Panay, Cebu and Negros Oriental.
The municipal government said the measure forms part of its broader campaign to maintain a disease-free livestock sector and prevent ASF from affecting Hinoba-an’s swine industry./CCJ, WDJ