SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The provincial government of Occidental Mindoro is taking all steps to revive its hog industry, which has been severely affected by African Swine Fever (ASF).
According to OIC Provincial Veterinarian Leony Coden, the province, currently classified as a Red Zone due to active ASF cases, aims to secure a Pink Zone as the first step to turn the industry back on track.
He noted that although the last recorded ASF case was in October 2024 on the mainland and a single case in December 2024 in Looc on the island of Lubang, the Department of Agriculture (DA) imposes specific requirements for changing a location’s zone classification, as outlined in DA Administrative Order No. 7, Series of 2021.
Among these requirements are the absence of new ASF cases in the affected area, verified through weekly monitoring using Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) accredited test kits; compliance by hog raisers with biosecurity measures, farm monitoring, and surveillance protocols; registration and submission of necessary documents; and regular visits by authorities to ensure compliance with protocols and the absence of ASF cases.
Coden stressed the importance of meeting all the requirements and securing clearance from BAI to confirm adherence to the DA’s standards.
He added that the hog industry in Occidental Mindoro has been struggling since ASF affected the province in January 2024, with losses estimated at ₱450 million.

While achieving a Pink Zone classification can be challenging, Coden emphasized the need to make it happen as this would help the province’s hog raisers to recover from the financial setbacks caused by the swine disease. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA–Occidental Mindoro)
Photos courtesy of San Jose Municipal Agriculture Office