PIG DISPERSAL. A resident in Luba, Abra checks on the condition of piglets dispersed by the local government to 34 residents on Feb. 9, 2023. The animal dispersal program is a continuing intervention of the government to help residents have an extra source of income and sustain the pork supply of the province. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)
BAGUIO CITY – The province of Abra can meet the demand for “bagnet” (crispy fried pork chunk) and “longanisa” (native sausage) as it has a sufficient supply of pork meat.
Irene Barbon, livestock monitoring officer at the Abra Provincial Veterinary Office, said in an interview on Monday that African swine fever (ASF) prevention protocols continue to be implemented in the province, resulting in an ample supply of pork.
“Sufficient ang supply natin ng baboy pati na ang bagnet at longanisa para sa consumers (we have a sufficient supply of pork, bagnet, and longanisa for all the consumers), she said.”
Bagnet and longanisa are among the popular products of Abra that are being bought by both residents and visitors to bring home with them.
Barbon said provincial officials have set the ceiling price of pork at PHP260 per kilo.
No entry policy
Barbon recalled that the province passed an ordinance in 2020 prohibiting the entry of pig, pork and pork-based products as a precaution against contaminants.
“As of now the entry of products from pork, bawal po talaga (is not allowed) but a proponent can submit an application for exemption which requires that the products are covered with certification from a laboratory stating that the goods are ASF-free,” she said.
She said the quarantine checkpoint at the main entrance to the province is still active.
“Para sa atin din po ang striktong pagbabawal dahil kapag kumalat ang sakit tayo rin ang mawawalan kaya sumunod po tayo sa mga ipinatutupad na panuntunan (let us abide by the strict policy for our good because if the disease enters our place, it will be our loss),” Barbon said. (PNA)
