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State of calamity declared in San Enrique

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• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

Stressing that it was merely the sentiment of its members, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Enrique passed a resolution declaring a state of calamity, due to recording more than 1,800 hog deaths in the municipality, Vice Mayor Raymund Magno disclosed yesterday.

Magno, who is not politically allied with incumbent Mayor Jilson Tubillara, explained that the passage of the resolution is meant to show their sympathy to those affected by the widespread hog deaths in San Enrique.

Tubillara said that the Sangguniang Bayan of San Enrique declared a state of calamity even though there is no recommendation from the Municipal Development Council.

He said the municipal council did not follow the process.

Tubillara said that he will refer the matter to the Provincial Legal Office, to determine if the declaration is legal.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana disclosed on Monday that concerned local government units that declare a state of calamity may use its calamity funds to address the hog deaths.

As of May 19, the Provincial Veterinary Office recorded 4,308 hog deaths all over the province, particularly in the 4th district of Negros Occidental, where San Enrique recorded the highest mortality.

Magno admitted that they have not received a recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRMMC) on a state of calamity.

If calamity funds need to be used, Magno said “it will depend upon the executive. We will just support.” “As a small town many of those are just backyard hog raisers who consider raising pigs as banks to be used when needed, like during enrollment time,” he added.

With San Enrique topping Negros Occidental list with the most number of hog deaths due to hog cholera, Tubillara said “we have no choice but to call it an outbreak, adding that just awaiting formal announcement from the Capitol.”

Admitting that they have not allocated the budget to address the situation, Tubillara, however said they will find ways, if needed.

“The provincial government has a budget for biosecurity. We will wait for any move from the province and implement it in our town,” Tubillara said.

Negros Occidental is presently the only province in Western Visayas which remains free of the African Swine Fever virus.*

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