LOS ANGELES, Butuan City – In response to the country’s rising number of African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII led the launching of the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program” with various stakeholders on March 3, 2021.

It was attended by 25 representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga Region, Caraga State University, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) – Agusan del Norte, Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Surigao del Sur, Butuan City Veterinary Office, Butuan City Agriculture Office, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Regional Office X, Caraga Swine Raisers Incorporated (CARSI), and Pigrolac.

This is a collaboration of the DA under the National Livestock Program (NLP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG], academe, other relevant government agencies and the private sector which shall be implemented nationwide.

In the DA’s Administrative Order No. 07 series of 2021, technical and support services will be provided by DA, academe and other relevant government agencies and private sector, together with other swine industry experts to empower the Local Government Units (LGUs] who will actively involve themselves as front liners in the battle against ASF.

The program’s key components are Intensified Risk Assessment, Surveillance and Monitoring; Strengthening Biosecurity Implementation; Capability Building and Awareness Campaign; Strengthening and Institutionalization of LGU Engagement; and Recovery and Repopulation.

This aims to the following: to establish an effective ASF monitoring, surveillance and reporting system; to strengthen biosecurity measures at the farm level and border control; to intensify awareness campaigns and other capacity-building activities; to strengthen and institutionalize LGU engagement for ASF prevention and control; to assist in the recovery and repopulation of previously affected areas; and to generate and mobilize resources for effective implementation of the program.

Some of the key personalities who gave their messages face-to-face were Ms. Rebecca Atega - OIC Regional Technical Division for Operations of DA, Heracleo A. Paler – Assistant Center Director of ATI-RTC XIII, and Dr. Angel Manabat – Vice President of Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP) via zoom.