• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The municipality of Moises Padilla, dubbed as the livestock capital of Negros Occidental, yesterday started to celebrate its weeklong Magayon Hinuptanan Festival, while at the same time strengthening its border controls against the entry of hogs and pork related products from African Swine Fever hit areas.
Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo yesterday said they are supporting the executive order issued by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson prohibiting the entry of live pigs, pork and by products from Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, as well as other ASF red zones.
This will protect their local hog breeders from ASF and other related diseases, said Yulo.
“ASF will not easily dissipate. It will take years to totally eradicate,” she stressed.
To show that Moises Padilla remains ASF free, a lechon and linaga festival was held, in line also with the celebration of Magayon Hinuptanan festivities, where the opening ceremony was attended by Rep. Emilio “Dino” Yulo and Board Member Rita Gatuslao.
Yulo also gave recognition to three farmers organizations in Moises Padilla for their help in boosting the economy of Moises Padilla.
“We want to show to other farmer associations that the provincial and national government, through the Department of Agriculture, and your municipal government, are ready to support you,” she added.*
