The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is fast-tracking efforts to revive the swine industry, which was hit by African swine fever (ASF), through an expanded repopulation program.
“We need to produce at least 1 million more pigs this year alone if we are to stabilize supply, reduce reliance on imports, and move closer to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s vision of a food-secure Philippines driven by stronger local production,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The DA said the National Livestock Program (NLP) is backed by USD 26.5 million in funding.
The program is anchored on the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA), which provides USD 331 million annually over the next decade through the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANCEF) to strengthen the livestock sector.
“We have not detected infected pigs for some time now, which allowed us to dismantle checkpoints in Metro Manila after two years. This reflects the effectiveness of our containment strategies,” said DA Undersecretary for Livestock, Constante Palabrica.
Mr Palabrica, however, said the Bureau of Animal Industry remains vigilant as it expands the hog repopulation program nationwide.
Vaccination efforts continue for ASF and avian influenza, with the DA also exploring additional vaccine suppliers to ensure sustained livestock health and resilience.