In response to the challenges posed by African Swine Fever (ASF), the Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, continues to intensify its efforts to protect and revive the province’s hog industry while extending immediate assistance to affected communities across the island.
Through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD), the provincial government distributed a total of ₱1 million in livelihood assistance to 100 hog raisers whose livelihoods were severely affected by ASF.
Each beneficiary received ₱10,000 through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to help them recover and gradually rebuild their source of income.
Beneficiaries came from the municipalities of Baclayon, Tubigon, Calape, Loon, Getafe, Ubay, and Buenavista, where local hog raisers previously experienced setbacks brought about by ASF.
In his message, Aumentado commended the OPSWD and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) for ensuring the orderly and efficient distribution of assistance to beneficiaries.
“The provincial government remains steadfast in its campaign against ASF to protect the livelihood of local raisers and farmers.”
The governor also emphasized that the provincial government remains steadfast in its campaign against ASF to safeguard Bohol’s hog industry and protect the livelihood of local raisers and farmers.
“Sa kanunay ato gyud ning gikumbati ang ASF para gayud dili maapektohan ang atong hog industry sa atong lalawigan sa Bohol labi na ang mga backyard hograisers (We have always been committed to ensuring that the ASF does not have an impact on our hog industry, especially the backyard hog raisers),” he said.
Meanwhile, for many recipients, the assistance represented more than financial aid—it symbolized renewed hope after months of hardship.
Melvin Tusoy, 30, expressed his gratitude to the provincial government.
“Mapasalamaton mi kay syempre pagkaigo, nahugno man jud mi adto. Karon naa na mi pag-asa,” Tusoy expressed.
“The assistance would help me restart my livelihood.”
Similarly, Diseree Manica of Ubay said the assistance would help her restart her livelihood and expressed appreciation to the government for its continued support to affected families.
Further strengthening these efforts, representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) also paid a courtesy visit on the same day at the Provincial Capitol in preparation for the upcoming distribution of indemnification assistance for ASF-affected hog raisers.
The indemnification assistance, amounting to ₱7.52 million, is set to benefit 302 farmers and is scheduled for distribution on May 26 at the Bohol Cultural Center.
Anchored with the provincial government’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, the initiative reflects Bohol’s continuing commitment to livelihood recovery, agricultural resilience, and responsive public service across Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
