Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado
In a decisive move to protect the province’s swine industry, Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has issued Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2024, effectively banning the transport of live pigs, as well as cooked and uncooked pork meat, products, and by-products from the island of Panglao to mainland Bohol and other surrounding islands for thirty days.
The executive order, which was issued on April 18, 2024, comes in the wake of reports received by the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office on April 17 regarding multiple illnesses and deaths among pigs in the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao.
These incidents have raised concerns about a potential outbreak of a viral disease, suspected to be the African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and devastating illness for pigs.
The Provincial Government, in coordination with local officials, has initiated a thorough disease investigation, including blood sampling for laboratory examination, to identify the specific disease causing the swine fatalities.
Aumentado’s order is grounded in the state policy outlined in R.A. 9296, the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, which aims to support the development of the livestock and poultry industry and promote animal health.
The executive order emphasizes the importance of disease prevention measures to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of livestock commodities, which are vital for the province’s food security.
The prohibition is part of a broader strategy to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the province and is seen as a necessary precautionary measure.
The order also includes a repealing clause, stating that any executive issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this order are superseded, repealed, or modified accordingly.
The executive order took immediate effect upon issuance, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the provincial government’s commitment to safeguarding Bohol’s six billion swine industry from the threat of viral diseases.
Boholanos urged to comply with the order and support the government’s efforts in disease control to ensure the continued prosperity of the local swine industry and the overall welfare of the province.