The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Batangas declared a state of calamity on Monday (August 12, 2024) due to the increasing cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province. This is per the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recommendation following the Batangas Office of the Provincial Veterinarian’s report as of August 9 that ASF has affected seven towns in the province.
Photo: Batangas Provincial Information Office
Before the provincial declaration, the town of Lobo had already declared a state of calamity on August 6 after 17 of its 26 barangays reported ASF cases. Calatagan and Lian followed suit on August 9.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported active ASF cases in 64 municipalities across 22 provinces as of August 8. Due to the widespread impact of the disease, the Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines, Inc., or AGAP Partylist, is calling for a nationwide state of calamity.
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. Characterized by high fever, loss of appetite, and respiratory distress, the disease is currently incurable. Due to its rapid transmission and high mortality rate, ASF poses a significant threat to swine populations and the pork industry.
A state of calamity declaration would enable the province to tap into its calamity fund to mitigate the effects of ASF. Batangas province has barely had a moment to recover from the devastation wrought by Typhoon Carina, with the state of calamity due to its effects only recently lifted. Once again, the province is facing another crisis with the declaration of a state of calamity due to the rapid spread of ASF.
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