• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As hog deaths in Negros Occidental have risen to 5,509 as of May 24, the provincial government, through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, is extending livelihood financial assistance to hog raisers and caretakers.
Maria Gerla Espinosa Dario, PSWDO officer in charge, yesterday said that they are now discussing and finalizing the plans with the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Provincial Veterinarian Office and Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
Dario said they are eyeing to give P2,000 to P5,000 financial assistance each to hog raisers and caretakers.
Based on the initial list submitted to them by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana, Dario said 861 hog raisers and caretakers have been affected by swine cholera and other diseases that hit their hogs.
Estimated value of the damage due to hog diseases pegged at P66.5 million, according to PVO reports.
It affected 14 of the 32 local government units and 1,143 hog raisers in Negros Occidental, the report added.
Dario said that she will also ask additional assistance from the DSWD regional office, under its convergence program, noting that livelihood assistance to hog raisers was also given out in other provinces.
San Enrique continues to top of the list of LGUs with recorded hog deaths, at 2,044, of which 108 died on Wednesday.
Of the total 2,692 hog population in San Enrique, PVO reports said 75.93 percent already died.
The Sangguniang Bayan of San Enrique has passed a resolution declaring a state of calamity.
Aside from San Enrique, other affected areas include Manapla, Cadiz City, Silay City, EB Magalona, Talisay, Murcia, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, Bago City, La Carlota City, Hinigaran and Binalbagan.
PVO recorded a hog population of 108,528 in the 14 affected LGUs.*
