The City Council on Monday approved a resolution requesting Mayor Lucilo Bayron to pass an executive order that will temporarily ban the “importation and entry” of frozen, processed, and fresh pork products in Puerto Princesa.
This is to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the city following infected hogs were found in some areas of the country.
Earlier at the regular session, Councilor Elgin Damasco in his privilege speech said it is necessary that this ban be pushed immediately and be certified “urgent”.
This proposed resolution was first referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, but was later on decided to be approved.
Dr. Indira Santiago, the city veterinarian during the question hour at the regular session Monday, had endorsed the resolution.
Santiago reiterated humans will not get ill by eating products from an infected hog, and explained ASF is not harmful to people.
However, she pointed out that our economy will be heavily damaged if this disease enters the city.
“Hindi siya nakakahawa sa tao but it has a very crucial or critical economic importance. Kapag nakapasok sa Puerto Princesa ‘yan, even to the province of Palawan, 80 to 100 percent of our swine industry will be affected. Patay po talaga ‘yan, fatal. I consider this very urgent,” said Santiago.
She noted those who are in the swine industry will be the first to be affected if ASF will not be prevented in the city.
Santiago said she already went to city administrator and legal counsel, Atty. Arnel Pedrosa, requesting that an executive order be drafted banning the processed, frozen, and fresh pork from entering Puerto Princesa.
