PRRD orders strict enforcement of nationwide ASF zoning plan

AO 22 noted that the ASF is estimated to have affected more than 20 million pigs in Asia since 2018 and has caused serious economic and production losses in the affected countries. Gatchalian said. (Pexels photo)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure the “strict” implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) nationwide zoning plan for African swine fever (ASF) to control and contain the spread of the fatal hog disease.

In Administrative Order (AO) 22 signed on Feb.

5 and released on Friday, Duterte directed all concerned government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, as well as LGUs, to “strictly implement and ensure compliance with the ‘National Zoning and Movement Plan for the Prevention and Control of ASF, as contained under DA Administrative Circular No. 12 (s. 2019).”

The signing of the order came following the joint recommendation of the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The African swine fever (ASF), despite having no known effect to humans, is a severe and highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with a case-fatality rate approaching 100 percent, caused by a resistant virus with no developed cure to date,” AO 22 read.

“There is an urgent need to ensure consistent implementation and compliance with DA Administrative Circular No. 12 to more effectively control the ASF virus toward its complete eradication,” it added.

AO 22 noted that the ASF is estimated to have affected more than 20 million pigs in Asia since 2018 and has caused serious economic and production losses in the affected countries.

The President’s latest order came, as the DA confirmed that ASF already reached his hometown Davao City.

On Dec. 10, 2019, the DA issued Administrative Circular, which formally orders the establishment of zones across the country, depending on the level of risks of regions in relation to ASF.

The zoning plan is seen as one of the key measures to ensure the total eradication of the ASF in the country that has struck mostly backyard farms in Luzon.

AO 22 tasks the DA, DTI, and DILG to make sure that all government offices and LGUs are following the President’s fresh directive.

“The DA, DTI, and DILG are hereby directed to monitor compliance with this Order and ensure its strict observance by all concerned government agencies, offices, instrumentalities, as well as local government units,” the order said.

The Chief Executive’s order takes effect immediately, according to AO 22.

Republic Act (RA) 9296 or the “Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines” provides that it is a state policy to prevent the entry of disease-carrying animals into meat establishments and ensure the safety and quality of imported meat and meat products.

Section 15 of RA 10611 or the “Food Safety Act of 2013” states that the DA shall be responsible for food safety in the primary production and post-harvest stages of food supply chain and foods, whether locally produced or imported.

RA 9296 also stresses the need for LGUs to regulate meat inspection, meat transport, and post-abattoir control, in accordance with the national policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and regulations, and quality and safety standards promulgated by the DA.