REGIONWIDE. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars with up to 100% case fatality rate. Since the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed the first outbreak started in July 2019, as of July 2022, 53 provinces, 704 cities/municipalities, and 3,832 barangays have experienced ASF outbreaks.

Thus, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas (ATI-CV) spearheaded the African Swine Fever (ASF) Preparedness Tabletop Exercise cum Consultation-Workshop at Bohol APC, Dao District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on October 12-13, 2022.

The two-day activity aimed to asses the preparedness capacity of the Philippines against ASF specifically in Bohol Province; identify gaps that need to be resolved to strengthen preparedness against ASF, and enhance interaction and communication between participating offices, especially among the task force members per LGUs.

"I am greatly honoured to have been here in this very important activity. Dako kaayu bagay nga ang atoang community ma mobilize nato, so how to mobilize. Sana ma cascade pud sa tanang concerned agencies sa tagsa-tagsa nato nga Municipalities especially those from the coastal Barangays. Thank you to the facilitators, sa mga nag organize ani nga seminar. Salamat pud sa time na spend together with you all my co-attendees, for knowing you for quite some time and it's a great experience. Again, thank you and be safe sa pag uli natong tanan. Salamat!" shared Rully M. Lauron, a participant from the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Bohol.

Samuel Joseph M. Castro, from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)- Central Office explained the Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) Requirements for Certification.

In addition, Christian Owen A. Vallejos, Team Head from the Philippine Crop Insurance Company (PCIC) discussed the Swine Raiser Insurance Policy. Moreover, Joshua F. Cruz, Science Research Specialist II from BAI talked about the ASF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

Likewise, Ermyn D. Ermitanio, Veterinarian II from BAI spoke about Local Task Force Roles & responsibilities.
Furthermore, Roxanne Elysse B. Bunayog, Science Research Specialist II from BAI expounded on ASF Biosecurity.

The participants crafted the ASF preparedness plan with the supervision of Dr Castro. A total of 44 composed of various stakeholders participated in the workshop.