Palace assures whole-of-nation measures to revive hog industry

By Josephine L. Babaran

QUEZON CITY, Feb 9 (PIA) –The government assured the public that its whole-of-nation measures that include programs for local production, supply chain, food diversification, and importation to revive the country’s hog industry and reduce pork prices is in place.

In a virtual press briefing held today, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr emphasized that strengthening local production is the first priority of the government to revive the hog industry.

The government has allocated a total of 600 million fund for the repopulation or green zones that aims to increase local production.

The Bantay African Swine Flu (ASF) sa Barangay (BABay ASF) in cooperation with Local Government Units (LGUs) is also established.

For the financing program of the government, Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) has allocated Php15 billion, Php128 million fund from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Php500 million from Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC). The hog insurance program is also developed to support local production.

For the pork supply aspect, Roque said that the government will source pork from Visayas, Mindanao, and some areas in Luzon that are considered ASF free.

“Sa katunayan, kakarating lang sa pier ng Maynila ang hindi baba sa 360 metric tons na baboy galing sa General Santos,” he added.

There is also a designated nautical highway for hog supply lane, Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita and transport support program for hog raisers.

In addition, Executive Order# 124 series of 2021 is also implemented:

·      Wholesale price set up (Php235 per kilo)

·      Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) & Bantay Presyo Task Force (BPTF)

·      Loan for market vendors

He added that the Cabinet approved the establishment of Economic Intelligence Task Force that will be co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) tasked to go after  hoarders and price manipulators. (JLB/PIA-IDPD)