A state of calamity has been declared in Romblon due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) across five towns. This declaration came following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and was officially approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 13.
With the declaration of a state of calamity, the province, led by Governor Jose Riano, now has the authority to use its calamity fund. This fund will be allocated to support relief and recovery programs designed to assist the affected farmers.
Provincial Veterinarian Paul Miñano reported that the towns of Odiongan, Alcantara, Santa Fe, Cajidiocan, and San Fernando are currently affected by ASF. Tragically, the province has already recorded more than 1,000 hog deaths since the initial detection of the disease.
In an effort to contain the further spread of the virus, the Bureau of Animal Industry has initiated a series of proactive measures in the affected towns.
Miñano has also recommended to the town mayors to establish checkpoints to monitor the entry and exit of hogs and pork products within their respective areas. He reiterates the continued prohibition on the entry of hogs from other provinces, as stated in the executive order issued by Governor Riano.
