SoCot activates TF vs ASF

KORONADAL CITY -- The South Cotabato provincial government has activated an inter-agency task force to facilitate coordinated interventions to prevent the entry of the dreaded African Swine Fever (ASF) in the area.

Dr. Flora Bigot, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Friday the move is aimed to keep the province free from ASF and protect the local swine industry.

Bigot said the convening of the task force was based on an order issued by South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. Bigot chairs the task force while Tamayo acts as its honorary chair.

It is composed of representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Environment and Management Office, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Philippine National Police, Food and Drug Administration, National Meat Inspection Service, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“The task force was mandated to conduct regular monitoring, information education campaigns on ASF preparedness and implement quarantine measures,” Bigot said in an interview.

Bigot said the task force has conducted consultative meetings and orientation among its members and other stakeholders. The goal, she said, is to strengthen coordination among swine farm operators and backyard farmers

for proper implementation of quarantine measures.

She said they will also assign additional personnel to man checkpoints situated in the province’s exit and entry points. (PNA)