By PR| 06:46 PM June 08, 2024
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) confirmed that Barangay Dao in Dauis town is now free from African Swine Fever (ASF), as revealed by recent test results from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories.
However, Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz, the OPV chief, advised pig farmers in Dauis to refrain from resuming pig farming until the ASF outbreak in nearby barangays is fully contained.
During the distribution of cash assistance in Barangay Mayacabac on June 7, Lapiz emphasized that the OPV would place a pig in pens within the affected barangays.
Monthly blood samples will be taken from these pigs for laboratory tests. If the pigs remain ASF-free as they mature, it will signal that hog raisers can safely resume pig farming.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has tasked the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) to work closely with the OPV and the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) to support affected hog raisers.
This includes organizing livelihood assistance and providing resources such as pig pens, chicken coops, and feed.
On June 7, the Provincial Government distributed cash assistance to hog raisers in Barangays Dao, Mariveles, and Mayacabac.
Acting Governor Dionisio Victor Balite led the distribution of P266,000 in indemnification funds: P5,000 for each large pet, P3,000 for weaned pigs, and P1,000 for piglets.
Additionally, beneficiaries received P10,000 through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Barangay Mayacabac Captain Roberto Bongalos expressed gratitude to Governor Aumentado for his support of the hog industry and his efforts in providing financial assistance, while Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen also conveyed his support during the event.
Furthermore, Mr. Romy Garcia of OPV distributed honorariums of P1,800 each to the barangay livestock aides (BALA) for their service from July to December 2023.
Acting Governor Balite urged the aid recipients to use the government funds wisely and to work together for the community’s development amid these challenges.
Financial aid to local associations
A ceremonial turnover of financial aid to four local associations took place at the Catarman Barangay Hall in Dauis, Bohol last June 7.
The associations received funding for their respective livelihood projects: the Dauis Native Chicken Growers Association (DANCGA) was granted P225,500 for the Chicken Meat Processing and Marketing project, accepted by President Joselito Hontucan; the Catarman Fishermen’s Association (KMC) received P576,550, accepted by President Lucia Pinuliad; the Kapidong Fisherfolks Organization (KFO) was also granted P576,550, accepted by President Michael Fulguerinas; and the Biking Active Women’s Association (BAWA) received P576,550 for their Egg Production and Marketing project, accepted by President Rosalie Nisnisan.
DOLE Chief Labor and Employment Officer Maria Eloida Cantona urged the association members to communicate their concerns directly to officials to maintain the integrity of their organizations.
Mayor Roman Bullen also conveyed his commitment to assisting his constituents in Dauis. (PiMO/ALT/JSS)
