DA ROLLS OUT EXPANDED HOG REPOPULATION PROGRAM TO REVIVE SWINE INDUSTRY

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding its swine repopulation program by procuring 32,000 gilts to help recover from African swine fever (ASF) and restore the national hog population to its pre-ASF level of around 13 million. The agency aims to produce at least one million additional pigs this year to stabilize supply, reduce pork imports, and strengthen local production. With PHP1.6 billion in funding under the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, the program targets adding six million hogs by 2028 to address supply shortages caused by ASF since 2019. Authorities noted improved disease control, with no recent infections detected and checkpoints in Metro Manila already dismantled, while vaccination efforts and additional suppliers are being pursued. To sustain progress, the DA plans to hire up to 4,000 personnel, including 500 veterinarians, while maintaining strict biosecurity measures to ensure long-term industry stability.