A surge of public frustration has erupted over the escalating traffic congestion in Dauis and Panglao roads.
The situation has been exacerbated by the recent implementation of stringent checkpoints and border controls by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado.
These measures, while aimed at curbing the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF), have inadvertently led to a significant disruption of daily life, reports said.
Residents and commuters have taken to social media platforms, including Facebook, to express their grievances.
The checkpoints, designed to prevent the movement of potentially infected livestock, have caused considerable delays, with traffic jams stretching for miles during peak hours.
The congestion is most acute during the morning rush hours of 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and in the evenings between 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, particularly on the causeway connecting Dauis-Panglao to the city.
The public’s exasperation is palpable, with many questioning the balance between necessary health precautions and the cost to their daily routines.
Online posts reflect a community at its wit’s end, with workers and students frequently arriving late to their destinations.
The outcry has reached a fever pitch, with calls for local officials to find immediate solutions to alleviate the traffic chaos.
Governor Aumentado’s response to the ASF threat has been decisive, with Executive Order No. 13 placing a ban on the transport of live pigs, raw or cooked pork, and pork products from Panglao Island to mainland Bohol and other islands within the province.
While the intention behind the governor’s actions is to protect the vital hog industry, the impact on traffic flow has been an unintended consequence that has caught the public off guard.
The ASF cases were first detected in the barangays of Mayacabac, Biking, and Mariveles in Dauis, prompting the swift action from the provincial government.
The checkpoints operate around the clock, seven days a week, with K9 teams assisting in the inspection of travelers.
Those cleared for travel receive stubs, which must be presented at checkpoints to avoid rigorous vehicle inspections.
Bohol Battles African Swine Fever Outbreak
Bohol is currently facing an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), threatening its P8 Billion hog industry.
The ASF Task Force is working round the clock to contain the disease in Dauis, a municipality in Bohol.
Blood samples were collected from areas reporting deaths and suspected ASF cases.
The initial tests, conducted locally, returned positive results, which were later confirmed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Following these findings, depopulation efforts were initiated in Mayacabac and Mariveles, Dauis.
Compensation for the losses is available through various sources, including the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Local Government Units (LGU), the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBH), and the DA.
Border Control and Disease Surveillance
Border control measures were implemented following the first report of ASF to the Task Force on April 17.
Interestingly, hog deaths had been reported as early as February.
Contact tracing is currently under investigation for surveillance and containment.
Despite these efforts, the index case remains untraceable, and full surveillance of the whole Panglao Island is yet to be achieved.
Continued disease surveillance and blood sampling are expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation in Dauis and help determine the appropriate measures to put in place.
Community Engagement and Blood Sampling
Community assemblies have been held with the LGU to educate 12 barangays about ASF.
Separate dialogues for hog owners in Mayacabac, Mariveles, and Biking have also been conducted.
Blood sample collection is ongoing, with priority given to three barangays.
So far, 53 samples have been collected in Mayacabac, and 21 samples in Biking.
Blood sampling will be done in all Dauis barangays.
This surveillance effort is supported by the Bureau of Animal Industry and DA-7.
Disinfection and Traffic Control
A disinfection vehicle has been stationed in Dauis for pig pens, slaughter areas, etc.
The ASF Task Force will maintain the current traffic scheme for the next 3-4 days, with observance of choke points from Boholand to Plaza Rizal and down to the old City Hall. The PNP will be making recommendations.
Checkpoints have been set up, operating mainly on visual checks during peak hours (6-8am, 11am-1pm, 4-6pm). So far, 27 violators have been reported, mostly for carrying processed pork meat and viands.
The Road Ahead
The critical period is the next 15 days.
Since April 17, no positive ASF results have been reported.
The main priority is to contain ASF in Dauis.
The DA has pronounced that Bohol mainland is still a green zone, meaning pork and pork products can still be exported to other provinces.
Negros Oriental Continues to Welcome Bohol Hogs Despite ASF Concerns
Despite the confirmed presence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in some pigs in Dauis town, Bohol, the provincial government of Negros Oriental has stated that it will continue to allow the entry of hogs from Bohol, according to reports on April 24, 2024.
Jaymar Vilos, the designated information officer of the Provincial Veterinary Office, stated that they are awaiting an official declaration from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine (BAI) confirming ASF cases in certain areas of Bohol before they could consider issuing a ban.
Vilos added that, according to records, no hogs from Bohol have arrived in Negros Oriental this year.
There was an attempt by a private entity to import pork from Bohol, but they reportedly backed out after learning about the strict guidelines.
In order to allow the import of live hogs into Negros Oriental, blood sampling results are required.
The samples should be tested seven days prior to the shipment and the results must be negative.
These tests are crucial to ensure that the hogs being raised in Negros Oriental are not compromised with the ASF virus coming from other places.
Furthermore, Negros Oriental is currently facing a shortage of hog supply after the swine population declined last year due to ASF.