Bohol’s provincial SP has endorsed a proposal to ease restrictions on pork and live pig imports, shifting from a total ban to regulated entry as the province seeks to rebuild its hog industry decimated by African swine fever (ASF).
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Board Member Lucille Yap-Lagunay, recommended amending the province’s ASF ordinance during a regular session presided over by Vice Governor Nicanor Besas on Tuesday.
The proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 50-2025 would amend Ordinance No. 2025-015, allowing controlled entry of live pigs, pork products, and swine genetic materials under strict biosecurity, documentation, inspection, and quarantine protocols enforced by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and other agencies.
“This is not a loosening of ASF controls, but a science-based policy adjustment that aligns with the Department of Agriculture’s ASF zoning and movement guidelines,” Lagunay told DYTR.
The measure aims to protect biosecurity while supporting industry recovery, economic stability, and food security for Boholanos, she added.
Despite ASF outbreaks and tight border controls, Bohol maintained pork sufficiency of 262.81 percent in 2024.
However, prolonged restrictions on breeder stock pose risks of inbreeding and declining production in local pig populations, according to Lagunay.
Bohol has experienced several ASF outbreaks since 2023.
The municipality of Pilar reported the first cases in August 2023, followed by Dauis in April 2024 and San Miguel in November 2024.
Provincial and municipal teams contained the outbreaks through surveillance, movement control, and depopulation efforts.
Currently, 17 municipalities and 42 barangays remain under active ASF cases, while 411 barangays have been declared ASF-free.
African swine fever, a highly contagious viral disease fatal to pigs but harmless to humans, first reached the Philippines in 2019 and has devastated the country’s P260-billion hog industry, forcing the culling of millions of pigs nationwide.
The SP committee determined that total prohibition is no longer adequate during the recovery and repopulation phase of Bohol’s hog industry.
The agriculture committee will present the proposed amendment for second reading on November 18, 2025 with third and final reading scheduled for November 25, 2025.
Officials hope regulated entry of live pigs, pork, and pork products can resume by Christmas.