The Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA (DA-MIMAROPA) has distributed financial assistance worth P47.78 million pesos to swine farmers in Oriental Mindoro who were affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.

The first batch of indemnification was distributed from October 7 to 11, 2024, to 1,247 hog raisers from the towns of Mansalay, Bulalacao, Roxas, Bongabong, Bansud, Pinamalayan, Gloria, and Pola.

The distribution was overseen by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, led by Focal Person Engr. Maria Teresa Carido, along with the Livestock Program, Cashier Section, and Regulatory Division. The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) was also part of the ASF Working Committee.

The beneficiaries received between P5,000 to P100,000 pesos under the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the department.

The financial assistance was given to farmers who voluntarily depopulated their swine due to the threat and spread of ASF in their areas.

The recipients can use the financial assistance as capital for their desired business or livelihood to start anew.

Many expressed their gratitude for the financial assistance provided to them.

“I am thankful to the DA for the livelihood assistance they provided us. I will use it to raise goats or as capital to start a small business,” said Ailyn Rico from B. Del Mundo, Mansalay, in Filipino language.

“Due to the recent events that affected our swine, I will use the assistance I received to start a business for our livelihood. Thank you very much to the DA for the support they provided us,” said Michelle Loro from Brgy. Panikihan, Pola, in Filipino.

The ASF Indemnification Program of DA provides financial assistance to farmers who voluntarily depopulated their swine affected by ASF, with the goal of preventing or controlling animal diseases through financial assistance and/or credit assistance to affected farmers.

Similar distributions are also set to take place in Occidental Mindoro and Romblon, where 24 beneficiaries in Occidental Mindoro are expected to receive P205,000 pesos, and 164 beneficiaries in Romblon will receive P3,065,000 pesos.