Bohol — In a proactive bid to protect its recovering P9-billion hog industry from the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Provincial Government of Bohol has implemented a temporary 60-day ban on the entry of live pigs, pork, and pork-related products from Negros Island. Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2026, on July 3, mandating strict border controls and quarantine measures following confirmed ASF outbreaks on Negros Island. This decisive action is a critical component of the province's broader strategy to maintain its status as an ASF-free zone and prevent the economic devastation that the highly contagious viral disease can cause.
A Critical Shield for Local Livelihoods
For Bohol, where thousands of hogs are regularly transported from neighboring islands, the risk posed by the ASF resurgence in the Visayas is significant. Governor Aumentado has called for unwavering cooperation from traders, livestock raisers, and local agencies to enforce the quarantine checkpoints and border inspections mandated by the executive order. By restricting the movement of potentially infected livestock, the province aims to shield its backyard and commercial raisers from the high mortality rates associated with ASF, which can decimate animal populations and disrupt the entire local food value chain.
Sustained Recovery and Government Support
The current ban is an extension of Bohol's ongoing commitment to agricultural resilience, following an earlier round of outbreaks that prompted substantial government intervention. The provincial government has been actively providing recovery assistance, including livelihood grants and indemnification payouts—such as the ₱7.52 million distributed to 302 farmers in May 2026—to help affected farmers rebuild their herds and livelihoods. By coupling these financial support programs with stringent biosecurity protocols and active surveillance, Bohol is ensuring that its hog sector remains stable and capable of weathering external health threats while continuing to supply the local market with safe pork products.
Collaborating for a Secure Future
As the regional challenge of ASF continues, Bohol is working closely with the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 7 (DA-7) and the Bureau of Animal Industry to monitor disease patterns and update its defense strategies. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of community-wide vigilance, from professional veterinarians down to the smallest backyard farmers. Through shared resources, such as disinfectant distribution and biosecurity training provided by DA-7, the province is fostering a culture of preparedness that prioritizes both economic stability and the health of the local animal population.
