The Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON has continuously pursued various interventions to halt the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region and provide relief to swine raisers affected by the disease amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Since it was first recorded in CALABARZON last August 2019, ASF has already affected 4,043 farmers from all five provinces. As there is no treatment yet for the disease, which is 100% fatal for hogs, the most efficient and humane method to curb the disease is to depopulate the affected swine as well as those living in 1-kilometer radius. From the 1.5 million swine population (based on Philippine Statistics Authority data) in the region, almost 30,760 heads have been culled to date.

The Department has already paid at least P92 M for depopulated swine to the majority of affected raisers. The remaining P60-M payment has already been requested by DA.

Aside from monetary payment, the regional office has also established a Quick Response fund amounting to P150,282,000 to implement the rehabilitation program for ASF-affected farmers.

DA has implemented different livelihood interventions like cattle, goat, and chicken production. 555 beef cattle were distributed in Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon; 684 goat modules (or 2,052 individual animals) were distributed in Cavite and Rizal; and 650 native or free-range chickens were distributed in Batangas and Rizal. To sustain the production, inputs such as feeds, housing, cages, and veterinary drugs were included in the package as well as technical assistance.

Aside from the distribution of animals, DA also included vegetable and/or urban gardening as part of the interventions. Those interested were provided with a package of vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer, garden tools, and training. Some of them opted to engage in mushroom production where start-up kit and training are also being provided. • (LAAB, DA-RAFIS)