San Jose, Occidental Mindoro — Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano is actively seeking ways to assist residents whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF), which has disrupted the supply of pork in the province.

Last Thursday, hog traders from the town of San Jose, along with affected stakeholders such as slaughterhouse operators and market vendors, gathered to discuss their concerns with the governor.

They requested the governor’s assistance in importing pork from the neighboring province of Oriental Mindoro to augment the supply in local markets.

Gov. Gadiano promptly coordinated with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian to explore solutions and methods that align with national government safety standards and existing policies regarding the importation of pork from other provinces.

The governor also engaged the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), led by Mr. Mario Mulingbayan, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by Ms. Rosalina Lamocha, to discuss potential assistance for the affected hog traders and vendors.

“We will continue to find ways to help our constituents affected by ASF,” Gov. Gadiano said. “Together with our agencies, we will push for programs and projects to help our traders and slaughterhouses recover.”

ASF is a severe disease that has caused enormous losses in the pork industry of Mindoro island.

Several towns in Occidental Mindoro have been placed under state of calamity due to ASF outbreak, with estimated economic losses pegged at P150 Million as of last week’s data.

Occidental Mindoro Capitol said it is steadfast in its efforts to contain the spread of the disease and protect traders and farmers.