Hinoba-an, the southernmost town in Negros Occidental, is expecting stronger demand for its hogs after receiving a Recognition of Active Surveillance on African Swine Fever (RAS-ASF) from the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry.
The recognition affirms the municipality's efforts to prevent and control ASF, giving traders greater confidence in sourcing hogs from the area.
Mayor Daph Reliquias said the certification is a long-awaited milestone that will attract more buyers and livestock shippers from Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cebu, and other parts of the Negros Island Region.
Better Prices for Hog Raisers
The recognition is also expected to improve earnings for local hog producers.
"We have officially received the RAS. This is what we have been waiting for so that more buyers and shippers will come to Hinoba-an," Reliquias said. "This is also the time when live weight prices of pigs sold in Hinoba-an will increase,” he added.
The mayor said the buying price for live hogs has increased from PHP110 to PHP125 per kilogram following discussions with the Municipal Agriculture Office. He added that if buyers offer between PHP130 and PHP150 per kilogram or higher, hog raisers should be allowed to sell at those prices to help them recover.
He also encouraged farmers to use the municipality's "Kilohan nang Bayan" to ensure fair and transparent weighing of their livestock.
Surveillance Confirms ASF-Free Status
Hinoba-an received the recognition on July 15 after active ASF surveillance conducted on July 1 yielded negative results across 1,018 farms with a total population of 15,764 pigs in nine barangays.
Currently classified as a yellow or surveillance zone, the municipality hopes the recognition will further strengthen its hog industry while assuring consumers and traders that pork from Hinoba-an remains safe, high-quality, and free from African swine fever.
