Antique – The Sibalom Livestock and Poultry-raisers Association (SILPRA), the largest hog-raisers association in Antique, has expressed its willingness to supply live swine for pork consumption in the capital town. SILPRA president Elma Peña, in an interview, confirmed that some of their members’ farms remain unaffected by African swine fever (ASF) and can provide six to eight heads of live weight daily.
According to Philippines News Agency, with approximately 490 members across various municipalities, can offer live weight at PHP 200 per kilogram to the Tradetown Meat Vendors Association (TMVA) at the Dalipe Tradetown in San Jose de Buenavista. With pork currently selling at PHP 350 per kilogram, TMVA members can still profit from this arrangement.
Peña mentioned that SILPRA currently transports about 40 to 50 hogs to Iloilo and neighboring provinces three to four times a week. She suggested coordination between the San Jose de Buenavista Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office (MEEDO) and other towns’ MEEDOs to secure supply from other hog-raisers. Darcy Bungay, head of San Jose de Buenavista MEEDO, stated they are encouraging TMVA, led by president Julius Singuran, to negotiate with SILPRA for supply.
The need for alternative suppliers arose after TMVA members were unable to sell pork on November 8 due to an ASF case in their usual supplier’s municipality. Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao’s Executive Order 238, issued on November 13, permits the entry of live swine, pork, and related products from ASF-free areas into Antique. This measure aims to stabilize pork supply in the capital, particularly during the Christmas season.