The Department of Agriculture (DA) is speeding up efforts to rebuild the country’s hog industry after heavy losses from African Swine Fever (ASF).
The government plans to buy about 32,000 young female pigs (gilts) as part of a nationwide repopulation program led by the National Livestock Program and the Bureau of Animal Industry. The goal is to restore the swine population to its pre-ASF level of around 13 million.
Authorities aim to add 6 million hogs by 2028, including at least 1 million this year, to stabilize pork supply and reduce dependence on imports.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program is key to improving food security and boosting local production.
The initiative has a budget of ₱1.6 billion and is supported by a long-term fund that allocates ₱20 billion annually for livestock development over the next decade.
Officials say ASF cases have declined, allowing the removal of checkpoints in Metro Manila after two years. However, monitoring and biosecurity measures remain in place as the repopulation program expands.
Vaccination efforts against ASF and bird flu are ongoing, with the DA also seeking more vaccine suppliers.
To support the program, the Bureau of Animal Industry plans to hire up to 4,000 staff, including 500 veterinarians.
The DA said increasing production while maintaining strict disease control will be key to ensuring stable pork supply and reducing imports in the long term.
