In a meeting of the Mayors’ League held last January 21 at the Provincial Tourism Center presided by the league president, Dinalupihan Mayor Gila Garcia, it was agreed upon that an African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force shall be created in every municipality and in the province. This move, a suggestion by Gov. Abet Garcia, is in addition to the existing protocols being strictly enforced in the province to prevent the entry/spread of the ASG virus in Bataan. To date, a number of piggery farms in the municipalities of Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, and Samal are already affected by the ASF virus.
In attendance were Vice Governor Cris Garcia, municipal mayors, veterinarians, feeds distributors, owners of piggery farms and other stake holders.
Together with Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Albert Venturina, Mayor Gila informed the attendees of the current situation, with the assurance that they are applying all necessary measures to contain and control the spread of the virus in other areas and at the same time requested the assistance of the LGUs and veterinarians of the different municipalities.
“We asked DTI, DA, NMIS na tumulong para siguruhin na ang ating mga tinitinda sa ating mga market ay una, stable yung prices at pangalawa, safe for consumption,“ said Mayor Gila.
They are also coordinating with DOLE and DSWD for the provision of alternative livelihood for the affected families who rely on backyard hog raising.
