- GILBERT BAYORAN
As the number of hog deaths in Negros Occidental reached 5,509, as of May 24, the provincial government, through its Social Welfare and Development Office, is extending livelihood financial assistance to hog raisers and caretakers.
Maria Gerla Espinosa Dario, PSWDO officer-in-charge, said Thursday, May 25, that they are now discussing and finalizing the plans with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office, and Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
Dario said they are eyeing P2,000 to P5,000 in financial assistance to each hog raiser and caretaker.
Based on the initial list submitted to them by Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Placida Lemana, Dario said 861 hog raisers and caretakers have been affected by the swine cholera and other diseases that hit several areas of the province.
Estimated damage due to hog diseases is pegged at P66.5 million, the PVO said.
Swine diseases affect 14 of the 32 local government units and 1,143 hog raisers in Negros Occidental, the report added.
Dario said that she will also ask additional assistance from the DSWD regional office, under its convergence program, noting that livelihood assistance was also given to hog raisers in other provinces.
San Enrique continues to be on top of the list of LGUs with recorded hog deaths at 2,044, of which 108 died May 23.
Of the total 2,692 hog population in San Enrique, the PVO said 75.93 percent already died.
The Sangguniang Bayan of San Enrique has passed a resolution declaring the town under a state of calamity./GB
