TACLOBAN CITY – Hog farmers in Limasawa, Southern Leyte are gradually bouncing back after the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, thanks to financial support from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The aid is part of the agency’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) aimed at helping affected farmers recover and sustain local food production.
On March 25, 16 hog raisers received a total of P 1.1 million in indemnification checks to compensate for losses from the mandatory depopulation of swine during the January 2025 ASF outbreak.
Municipal Mayor Melchor Petracorta, present during the distribution, lauded the DA for the timely assistance, noting that it would help beneficiaries rebuild their hog-raising operations and contribute to the municipality’s food security efforts.
For local farmers, the support is a lifeline.
Michelle Tabamo of Barangay Magallanes, shared that the compensation will allow her to restart her hog-raising business after six of her pigs were culled.
Similarly, Christian Cabajes, who returned from overseas work to start his hog-raising venture, expressed gratitude, saying the funds will help restore his main source of income.
Dr. Al Obinguar, ASF indemnification focal person, urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and to adhere strictly to biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks, safeguarding the municipality’s swine industry.
The ASF indemnification program is part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the agricultural sector, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and maintain the local food supply in areas hit by livestock diseases.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
