By PR | 09:01 AM November 26, 2025
Boholanos may soon see the long-awaited return of pork and pork products from outside the province following years of stringent border controls to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, unanimously approved on third and final reading Provincial Ordinance No. 50-2025 — a landmark measure that ushers in a major shift in the province’s ASF strategy.
Once signed into law by Governor Aris Aumentado, the ordinance will permit the entry of live pigs, pork, and pork-based products under tightly regulated conditions, with rigorous documentation and science-backed safeguards.
“This is not a relaxation; this is responsible regulation,” said First District Board Member Lucille Lagunay, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture.
“We are reopening our doors, but we are doing it the right way — with stronger diligence, stricter compliance, and full biosecurity.”
Under the ordinance, pork and pork products may enter Bohol only if accompanied by complete requirements, including veterinary health certificates, shipping permits, laboratory-issued ASF-free test results, and other documentation mandated by national guidelines.
Lagunay stressed that the policy shift aims to restore supply, stabilize prices, and support the recovery of Bohol’s hog industry — without compromising the province’s protective measures.
“For consumers, this means more choices in the market. For hog raisers, this opens new opportunities to rebuild. And for all of us, it marks a careful, responsible, and hopeful path forward,” she said.
The measure underwent extensive consultations with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Provincial Legal Office, hog growers, meat processors, and other stakeholders. It is also aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s zoning and movement standards.
The committee report noted that Bohol recorded a pork sufficiency rate of 262.81% in 2024. As of November 2025, ASF remains present in 18 municipalities and 42 barangays, while 411 barangays have already been cleared.
The shift to a regulated entry system is expected to prevent inbreeding, improve breeder quality, and revitalize productivity after years of supply restrictions.
Once implemented, the PVO will carry out strict inspections, disease surveillance, documentation verification, and quarantine protocols to ensure that only safe, disease-free pork products enter Boholano households.
The SP Secretariat will now forward the approved ordinance to Governor Aumentado for his final action.
