South Cotabato, Philippines — Local authorities in South Cotabato have intensified measures to secure the province’s agricultural borders, pledging a dual strategy of strict livestock movement controls to prevent disease and rigorous market monitoring to protect consumers from unfair price surges.
Dr. Errol B. Javier, DVM, addressed concerns regarding fluctuations in hog prices, noting that market prices are primarily influenced by the law of supply and demand, and the role of authorities is limited to monitoring.
“Prices are dictated by the law of supply and demand, and our role is mainly to monitor,” Dr. Javier stated.
To help protect local hog raisers from potential financial losses, Dr. Javier encouraged farmers to consider value-adding strategies instead of selling their livestock whole at potentially lower prices.
“To prevent our farmers from being disadvantaged, it is better to explore value-added processing before directly selling to consumers,” he advised.
By processing pork products into higher-value goods, farmers may be able to improve profitability and cushion themselves from sudden market price drops.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office of South Cotabato has reaffirmed that the province remains African Swine Fever (ASF)-Free, providing assurance to local hog raisers, traders, and consumers that strict biosecurity and monitoring measures continue to be effectively implemented.
Dr. Byron F. Dela Cruz emphasized that the province’s current animal health status allows for the safe movement of livestock beyond provincial borders.
“If our livestock is categorized as green or yellow, we are allowed to transport them to any province, region, or island in the Philippines, provided that all documentary requirements are completed and satisfied,” Dr. Dela Cruz explained.
He clarified that before any livestock can be transported, several regulatory requirements must be secured. These include passing the Risk Assessment for ASF (RAS-ASF) at the municipal level, obtaining a Veterinary Health Certificate, securing a Local or Livestock Inspection Certificate from the municipality, and acquiring a Transport Permit issued at the provincial level.
These measures, according to the Provincial Veterinary Office, ensure that all transported animals meet national biosecurity standards and help maintain the ASF-free status of South Cotabato.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through its veterinary and agricultural offices, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the local swine industry. Authorities continue to conduct surveillance, inspections, and coordination with municipal partners to sustain the province’s ASF-free classification.
With strengthened compliance measures and proactive farmer advisories, South Cotabato aims to protect livelihoods while ensuring a stable and safe pork supply for consumers across the country.
