By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Oriental provincial government is urging an evidence-based review of Executive Order (EO) No. 116, emphasizing the need to protect local hog raisers while ensuring stable pork prices and adequate meat supply for consumers.
The call was made during a multi-sectoral consultation organized by the Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC).
The meeting brought together hog raisers, meat vendors, veterinarians, agriculturists, consumer groups, members of the academe, business leaders and representatives from national government agencies to assess the impact of the meat importation policy on the province’s livestock sector.
Bais City Veterinarian Dr. Melanie Pescadilla presented an overview of EO 116 and its implications, while Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Melody Dulce Amor Vilan summarized the concerns and recommendations raised by stakeholders.
Participants agreed that the discussion should no longer focus on whether to allow meat importation, but on ensuring that importation is accompanied by safeguards that protect local producers.
They stressed the importance of balancing affordable pork prices with measures that keep the local hog industry competitive.
Among the recommendations were strengthening African swine fever prevention and biosecurity programs, reducing feed costs, expanding livestock insurance, improving veterinary and extension services, providing financing support, developing breeder farms, and establishing a regular monitoring system to evaluate the long-term effects of EO 116.
Stakeholders also identified opportunities to further develop Negros Oriental’s livestock sector through innovation, including promoting the province’s lechon industry as a value-added product that could boost local enterprises and tourism.
The recommendations from the consultation will be consolidated into a formal report to be submitted to national government agencies, reinforcing the province’s position that policies on meat importation should be guided by scientific evidence while protecting both consumer welfare and the long-term sustainability of the local hog industry./CCJ, WDJ