TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Government of Tabuk, through the City Veterinary Services Office (CVSO), declared 38 barangays among the 43 barangays in the city as African Swine Fever (ASF)-free on Monday, August 19, at the Tabuk People’s Gym.
The CVSO reported that the barangays have complied with the requirements and protocols in accordance with the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order (DA AO) No. 07, Series of 2021 “Implementing Guidelines for the Barangay Bantay ASF Program”, and DA AO No. 30, Series of 2021 “Guidelines on the Recovery and Declaration of Freedom from ASF for Local Government Units (LGUS)” As concurred by the DA Regional Field Office to declare the barangays as ASF-FREE.
Except for five barangays Agbannawag, Cudal, Bado Dangwa, San Julian, and Bulanao no ASF instances were reported during the 90-day clearing process of the 38 Barangays, according to City Veterinarian Carmen Wanas.
To decide whether to proclaim the five barangays ASF free, the CVSO is currently awaiting the results of its laboratory testing.
ASF rapid test kits and disinfectants were distributed to all 38 barangays.
Due to ASF, the city proclaimed a state of calamity in November 2023. As a result, the city was given authorization to utilize the Php 779,000.00 quick response fund, which was used to purchase disinfectants and other supplies required to completely eradicate ASF in the city.
Dr. Wanas acknowledged the Department of Agriculture Cordillera, the Philippine National Police, the City Public Order and Safety Office, CDRRMO, SP, and other offices and agencies which assisted in the CVET in preventing the spread of ASF in the city. Mayor Darwin Estrañero and Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o together with the CVSO led the distribution of test kits and disinfectants. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
