In a recent press briefing held in Davao City, Dr. Karl Laurence Pineda, the alternate livestock program focal for the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11), reassured the public that the region’s pork supply is more than adequate to meet the demands of the holiday season. Despite the presence of African swine fever (ASF) in some areas, Pineda emphasized that the supply remains stable and there have been no significant price hikes observed so far. He did, however, caution that prices could potentially increase based on demand fluctuations.
Pineda also highlighted the efforts to manage ASF, noting that local government units have reported cases, but these have been effectively contained. The region has implemented various measures to mitigate the spread of the disease, ensuring the safety and sufficiency of pork supplies.
In a related development, the DA-11 has taken steps to support the recovery and expansion of the hog sector through the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) project. Under this initiative, 125 farmers and fishers from the Tiblawan Fishermen Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TIFFARMCO) in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, were provided with a PHP5 million bio-secured and climate-controlled swine facility. This package also includes 100 swine, feeds, and biologics, aimed at boosting local swine production and accelerating the repopulation of hogs in ASF-affected areas.
Roberto Armasa, chairperson of TIFFARMCO, expressed his gratitude for the support, stating that the cooperative is thankful for the assistance provided by DA and the local government unit.