The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has announced sweeping measures to combat severe pork shortages, authorizing frozen pork imports until January 2025, as an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak continues to ravage its hog industry.

Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor, in Executive Order No. 01, established a comprehensive framework for pork importation, a move that shifts the province’s food security strategy.

The governor’s executive order will remain in effect until January 31, 2025, with provisions for inspection of imported pork facilities and strict compliance with food safety regulations.

The EO says that the measure is temporary and designed to provide immediate relief while supporting the gradual recovery of Mindoro’s hog industry.

The latest EO comes after ASF was first detected in Barangay Dangay, Roxas in October 2023, subsequently spreading to neighboring municipalities and devastating pig farms.

According to the EO, the ASF outbreak has caused damage to the local hog industry, disrupted hog farmers’ operations, and drastically reduced the pork supply in Oriental Mindoro.

The executive order outlines stringent requirements for potential importers and distributors, including mandatory certification from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS); registration with the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office; possession of licensed cold storage facilities or refrigerated transport vehicles; and regular inspections by the ASF Task Force and component municipalities’ Agricultural Offices.

Businesses without their own cold storage facilities must partner with licensed cold storage providers, ensuring proper handling of imported meat products, the EO states.

To protect consumers from potential price gouging, the Provincial Price Coordination Council will regulate prices of imported frozen pork.

The ASF Task Force, through its Commercial/Industrial/Agricultural group (CIAAgri), will conduct regular monitoring of sellers.

The ASF crisis has dealt a blow to Oriental Mindoro’s agricultural sector, where pig farming serves as a crucial source of income for many rural households.

The national impact has been severe, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting billions of pesos in losses to the country’s pork industry.

Oriental Mindoro’s move follows similar measures implemented by other provinces to stabilize their local meat markets.