P1 million given to Benguet farmers hit by ASF, quake

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A total of 39 livestock farmers from different towns in the province received cash aid from the provincial government.
    Gov. Melchor Diclas gave the cash at the provincial capitol here recently to
beneficiaries affected by  African swine fever (ASF).
    The farmers’ pigs died while the three others lost equipment and other facilities during the July 27 earthquake.
    Diclas told media the P960,550 fund was meant assistance to help provincial constituents recover from losses.
    The Provincial Veterinary Office said recipients submitted reports to their municipal local government units which the PVO assessed and validated.
    During cash distribution, recipients were told to practice bio-security measures to prevent transmission of the ASF virus to livestock.
    These included ensuring hygiene of pig dens and avoiding feeding scraps containing meat to pigs.
    They were told to be cognizant to symptoms of the disease and report cases immediately to LGUs.

The PVO led by Dr. Miriam Tiongan, was cited by Diclas for fast processing of  beneficiaries' documents.

Diclas also cited LGUs for their programs against ASF.