Agap Partylist Representative Nick Briones mentioned that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun distributing vaccines against African Swine Fever (ASF) in the affected regions.
"Ito'y ni-rorollout na, ibig sabihin actual vaccination na sa may mga outbreak ang inuuna ng DA," Briones said in an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Friday.
"Ngayong araw, dito lang sa Lobo, Batangas mag-uumpisa [rollout]. Kapag naging epektibo, lahat ng barangay dito na may raisers ang uunahing bakunahan pero mag-aantay pa siguro ng 15 days," he added.
According to Briones, the vaccines had been requested for a long time. The rollout began in Lobo, Batangas, where he witnessed the first vaccinations administered by the DA.
"Maraming nagsasabi, ‘yung mga kasamahan namin, na epektibo ito sa Vietnam kaya sa tingin ko ito na ang magbibigay ng bagong pag-asa," said Briones.
Briones noted that the vaccines have been proven effective in Vietnam and have undergone extensive testing. He emphasized the need to roll out the vaccines to all backyard raisers as soon as possible.
Should the vaccine prove effective and no adverse reactions are observed, the distribution will continue. Briones indicated that additional supplies of 150,000 to 600,000 doses are expected soon.
Briones urged everyone to support the swine industry and continue to patronize pork being sold in the country.
"Gusto nating patunayan na Pinoy pork is safe at tulungan natin ang sektor ng pagbababuyan," said Briones.
He then mentioned the potential increase in pork prices before the end of October and November, as the start of the ber months approaches.
