The town of Lobo in Batangas has declared a state of calamity on August 6, 2024 following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) that has affected local hog raisers.

The declaration was announced during a meeting with over 500 hog raisers in the town.

Out of 26 barangays, 17 have reported positive ASF cases.

ANIHAN CANCELLATION

The situation has prompted the town to cancel the Anihan Festival.

“Ibig sabihin, makaka-access na tayo sa pondo ng gobyerno na makakatulong sa inyo. Pati ‘yung Anihan Festival ay ica-cancel ko na,” Mayor Lota Manalo said.

“Hindi nga tayo pwedeng magsaya dahil dapat tayo ay maki-simpatya, at [hanapan] ng paraan na ang mga gastos niyo ay magawan ng paraan,” Manalo added.

CULLING

The local government, in collaboration with the Bureau of Animal Industry, has begun culling hogs in the area. 

“Ito po ay kasama doon sa protocol na kapag po may ASF outbreak ang isang lugar, ‘yung mga baboy na tested positive ng ASF, kailangan po na i-cull [o] patayin upang maalis na po yung source of infection,” Dr. Jhing Andaya, Municipal Agricultural Officer, said.

As of August 3, the estimated financial loss stands at P103 million, with 7,800 hogs buried.

Local hog raisers, including Ferdinand Bello and Mylene Aleta, have shared their distress over the loss of their livelihood. 

“Nakakapanghinayang, babago pang nag-uumpisa, may pangarap tapos madadali laang ng sakit na iyan, masama sa aming pakiramdam. Ang tagal nung sakit, hindi namin alam paano uli mag-uumpisa,” Bello said.

“Nakakaiyak [pero] wala tayong magawa… kasi ang nangyari, tumab-ang na. Minsan namamatayan ako ng pito o walo. Yung last 21, hindi ko alam paano… wala naman ibang pagkakakitaan dito eh. Wala, ubos lahat,” Aleta added.

The local government is working to ensure support from both government agencies and private entities to manage the situation effectively. 

“Ang state of calamity kasi is being declared for us to be able to have support not only from the agencies na pwedeng tumulong, pero baka pwedeng mga private entities na pwedeng mag-abot ng tulong dito, and it would be easier for us para magalaw din yung aming Quick Response Fund under the MDRRMO,” Anna Marie Orig, Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan, said.