The Department of Agriculture (DA) is accelerating efforts to rebuild the country’s swine industry with a PHP1.6 billion in funding through an expanded repopulation program, beginning with the procurement of around 32,000 gilts to bring the swine population to pre-African Swine Fever (ASF) level of about 13 million heads.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the National Livestock Program (NLP), through its implementing unit, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to add 6 million hogs by 2028 to recover losses from the ASF since 2019.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica said the program is backed by PHP1.6 billion in funding. It is anchored on the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA), which provides PHP20-billion annually over the next decade through the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANCEF) to strengthen the livestock sector.
Usec. Palabrica also noted that improved disease control has enabled the government to ease emergency measures. “We have not detected infected pigs for some time now, which allowed us to dismantle checkpoints in Metro Manila after two years. This reflects the effectiveness of our containment strategies,” he said. He added, however, that the BAI remains vigilant as it expands the hog repopulation program nationwide.
Vaccination efforts continue for ASF and avian influenza, with the DA also exploring additional vaccine suppliers to ensure sustained livestock health and resilience.
The initiative has also highlighted capacity gaps within the sector. The BAI is expected to hire up to 4,000 regular personnel, including around 500 veterinarians, to support expanded operations and strengthen biosecurity measures.
While the program marks significant progress, the DA underscored that scaling up production while maintaining strict biosecurity standards will be critical to achieving long-term stability and reducing dependence on pork imports.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the program is central to the administration’s food security agenda.
“We need to produce at least one million more head of pigs this year alone if we are to stabilize supply, reduce reliance on imports, and move closer to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a food-secure Philippines driven by stronger local production,” he said.
