With African Swine Fever (ASF) continuing to affect several provinces in the Visayas, the Cebu Provincial Government has intensified preventive measures to keep the disease out of the province, even as surveillance continues to show Cebu remains free of the virus.
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 36, Series of 2026, directing local government units and national government agencies to strengthen disease surveillance, border inspection, and biosecurity measures across the province.
The order reflects the Capitol’s proactive approach to protecting Cebu’s hog industry before any outbreak occurs, citing the need to safeguard livestock production, food security, and the livelihoods of thousands of hog raisers.
Laboratory tests conducted in Cebu’s component cities and municipalities have all returned negative for ASF.
The results were validated by the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory and the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Despite the province’s ASF-free status, the executive order noted that outbreaks continue to be reported in nearby areas, particularly Negros Occidental, prompting authorities to heighten preventive efforts.
“The Provincial Government recognizes the need for proactive and preventive measures to protect Cebu’s hog industry, ensure food security, and safeguard the livelihood of hog raisers,” the executive order stated.
The Capitol estimates Cebu’s hog industry to be worth around P20 billion, making it one of the province’s key agricultural sectors.
“It is the policy of the Province of Cebu to continue its African Swine Fever (ASF) preventive and control measures to protect the local hog industry… through strict biosecurity, preventive controls, and continuous monitoring,” the order added.
Among the immediate measures is the activation of ASF Task Forces in all component cities and municipalities to sustain disease surveillance and ensure a rapid response to any suspected cases.
The executive order also mandates tighter inspections at seaports and other entry points linked to ASF-affected areas.
Shipments of live hogs, pork, and processed pork products will only be allowed entry if accompanied by complete veterinary health certificates, meat inspection documents, and negative ASF laboratory test results.
Local government units have likewise been instructed to conduct random inspections and deploy additional personnel, particularly during nighttime operations when most livestock shipments arrive in Cebu.
To further reduce the risk of disease transmission, the Capitol imposed temporary restrictions for up to 45 days on pass-through vehicles and livestock carriers coming from Negros Occidental and other ASF-affected provinces.
The restriction may be extended depending on the prevailing ASF situation.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office will continue routine blood sampling, laboratory testing, and farm inspections in coordination with municipal and city agriculture and veterinary offices to detect any possible infection at the earliest stage.
The order also requires hog raisers to observe strict farm biosecurity measures, including regular disinfection of facilities and equipment, limiting farm access, using protective gear, avoiding swill feeding, and immediately reporting unusual pig deaths to authorities.
To support these efforts, the Provincial Information Office will roll out public advisories encouraging consumers to purchase pork only from verified sources.
The Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and other concerned agencies have also been directed to coordinate with the Capitol in protecting Cebu’s hog industry.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Comments