DA intensifies swine repopulation

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to rebuild Central Visayas’ swine industry as the region emerges from the devastating impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), banking on stronger biosecurity measures, industry investments and government-backed repopulation programs to restore domestic pork production.

DA-Central Visayas Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez said the agency remains committed to supporting hog raisers as the sector recovers from a prolonged downturn that significantly reduced output and disrupted supply chains across the region.

“The livestock industry in Central Visayas remains vibrant because there are investors willing to take risks in agriculture,” Enriquez said, adding that private-sector participation will be crucial in accelerating the industry’s recovery.

Central Visayas has traditionally ranked among the country’s largest pork-producing regions.

According to Enriquez regional hog production climbed from 163,531 metric tons in 2015 to about 248,000 metric tons in 2023 before falling to 218,000 metric tons in 2024 and further to 141,000 metric tons in 2025.

Enriquez attributed the decline to ASF outbreaks that affected both backyard and commercial farms, as well as the reorganization of regional statistics following the creation of the Negros Island Region.

The disease outbreak triggered movement restrictions and substantial production losses, reinforcing the importance of stricter biosecurity protocols and modern farm management systems, she said.

With ASF now largely under control, the DA has launched swine repopulation and recovery initiatives aimed at rebuilding hog inventories, particularly among backyard raisers that account for a significant share of the country’s pork supply.

The agency is also promoting the adoption of advanced farming technologies and enhanced disease-prevention measures to strengthen the industry’s resilience against future outbreaks.

The recovery of the swine sector forms a key component of the government’s food security strategy as authorities seek to stabilize domestic pork supply and curb reliance on imports.

Despite recent setbacks, Central Visayas remains one of the country’s leading livestock-producing regions, ranking third in swine production, third in cattle production, fourth in chicken production and first in goat production, she added.

Enriquez said sustained investments and closer collaboration between government and industry stakeholders will be critical in restoring production capacity and supporting the long-term growth of the sector.

The agriculture official spoke during the inauguration of Virginia Farms Inc.‘s new breeder farm in Aloguinsan, Cebu, a project industry leaders say reflects growing investment in the recovery and modernization of the region’s livestock sector.