LA UNION – The DA-RFO 1 signs its commitment in support of the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program” or “BABay ASF” during the campaign’s virtual launching on February 23, 2021 which was participated by DA-attached regional and provincial offices from Region 1, 2, 3 and CAR.

Dr. Annie Q. Bares, Chief of the Regulatory Division spearheaded the pledge of commitment signing together with other officials and employees of the DA Ilocos Region.

Consistent with the mandates of the BABay ASF, the DA-RFO 1 has already conducted various activities from February 16-19, 2021 particularly coordinating with the Provincial Veterinary Office of Ilocos Sur as regards the establishment of a quarantine checkpoint in Candon City, distribution of disinfectants to Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
Funds amounting to P4.5 million under the GAA FY 2021 was also approved to support the BABay ASF Program.

On March 3, 4 and 5, 2021, orientation on the said program and workshops viz-a-viz the recovery and rehabilitation of the hog industry will be conducted in the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Sur.

Under the BABay ASF, the main key strategies are the creation of task force/team, implementation of biosecurity measures and surveillance and disease investigation activities, strengthening of quarantine protocols to manage and prevent the spread of ASF, promotion and awareness campaign through quad media, repopulation/restocking, among others.

To date, a total of 53 cities and municipalities in the region are considered are infected (red) zones, 26 are buffer (pink) zones, and 46 remain protected (green) zones.###