Pangasinan town holds lechon festival amid ASF scare

POZORRUBIO, Pangasinan, Philippines — A lechon festival was held in this town yesterday to assure the public that pork sold at the local market is safe to eat amid the African swine fever (ASF) scare.

”Pork-tober Lechon Fest” was initiated by local meat vendors and the municipal government.

The regional animal disease diagnostic laboratory of the Department of Agriculture said hogs grown in this town are negative for ASF. 

Local authorities said the pigs that tested positive for ASF were transported from Bulacan two weeks ago. At least 15 of 30 blood samples from the seized hogs in Barangay Baloling tested positive for ASF.

On Friday, 55 roasted pigs were served during a lechon boodle fight in Mangaldan to dispel claims that ASF has spread in Pangasinan.

Gov. Amado Espino III said mayors and barangay captains should remain vigilant in guarding entry points in the province, especially barangay roads which are used by illegal traders to transport hogs from areas affected by ASF.