By Emma Joyce F. Guillermo and Angelyka D. Agnoy
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — Around 169 backyard and commercial hog raisers affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Ilocos Norte have received cash assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in coordination with the provincial government, providing relief and helping them rebuild their livelihoods.
The DA distributed a total of P8.05 million to beneficiaries from the towns of Vintar, Bacarra, Piddig, San Nicolas, Solsona, and Marcos, along with the cities of Laoag City, and Batac.
Under the program, hog raisers receive P12,000 for each culled breeder pig, P8,000 for each grower or fattener, and P4,000 for each piglet.
According to Allen Mae Doctolera, veterinarian of the DA Regional Office I’s Regulatory Division, the assistance is part of the agency’s ASF Indemnification Program, which helps affected farmers recover losses and encourages them to repopulate their farms using proper biosecurity measures.
“This regular program of the government ensures that all hogs culled due to ASF are properly compensated,” Doctolera said.
ASF situation in Ilocos Norte
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVet) said most towns in the province are classified under the Yellow Zone (Surveillance Zone), indicating a high risk of ASF infection.
Meanwhile, Batac City and Vintar fall under the Pink Zone (Buffer Zone), or areas adjacent to previously infected locations classified as Red Zone.
As of Nov. 7, 2025, the province has recorded 54 ASF-positive cases from 93 samples tested.
To sustain assistance and strengthen disease prevention, the provincial government continues its monitoring and surveillance programs, including regular blood collection for ASF testing and coordination with local government units (LGUs) to achieve Green Zone (ASF-Free Zone) status.
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos reiterated the government’s support to local hog raisers, recognizing their role in ensuring food security for Ilokanos.
“This is something that the provincial government, through our veterinary office, continues to pursue because we understand how hard it is to see your hogs being culled. This program gives you the help you need to rebuild your livelihood,” she said.
Stories of recovery
Among the beneficiaries is Juana (not her real name) from San Nicolas town, whose four breeder hogs were culled after ASF was detected within the 500-meter radius of her area.
“This cash assistance will greatly help us. Since ASF hit our livestock, we haven’t fully recovered. With this support, we hope to start over and return to hog raising as our main livelihood,” she shared.
She said she plans to use the financial aid to buy new pigs and rebuild her small-scale hog-raising business for a stable family income.
The support provided by the DA and the provincial government offers more than immediate relief—it serves as a lifeline for ASF-affected hog raisers to rebuild and repopulate their farms, ensuring the continuity of local hog-raising communities and supporting the province’s goal of achieving ASF-free status. (CCMT/EJFG/ADA, PIA Ilocos Norte)