Chicken, fish production expansion in PH urged amid ASF resurgence

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MANILA, Philippines — An agriculture group on Tuesday called on the government for the product expansion of chicken and fish in the country amid the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF).

In a statement, the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) said ASF poses a threat to the supply of pork, especially in barangays with active cases.

READ: PH buys more pork overseas amid swine flu, El Niño

Pork is the third main source of meat in the country, following chicken and fish.

“One advantage of chicken is that the main system of local production is large scale and not backyard size as with pork,” said PRRM President Edicio dela Torre, as quoted in the statement.

He added that production of other protein sources is important, especially that the holiday season is coming in a few months where demand usually increases.

Moreover, the PRRM stressed that importation of dressed chicken, or those slaughtered for human consumption, needs to be reduced and instead focus on the local production.

Citing data from the National Meat Inspection Service, the group said there are 31,917 metric tons (MT) of dressed chicken in cold storage facilities as of last week.

From this, 68 percent or about 21,601 MT are imported and only 10,315 MT are local.

The PRRM also advocated for an increase in fish production.

“Fish and shellfish supply has to increase also to meet the demand for protein. In the case of marine products, aquaculture must increase its share vis-a-vis fish capture,” said dela Torre.

The PRRM stressed the importance of advancing the country’s capabilities beyond artisanal or small-scale fishing, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

In relation to this, the group noted that the Philippine Maritime Zones Bill and the Blue Economy Bill could help in the country’s food security goals.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Bill aims to define and declare the country’s maritime zones, while the Blue Economy Bill seeks to promote stewardship and sustainable development of marine wealth within the country’s maritime domains.

READ: BAI: African swine fever remains in 22 provinces

As of August 8, the Bureau of Animal Industry said the ASF has spread to 11 regions, 22 provinces, and 64 municipalities nationwide.

It is a viral disease of farm-raised and wild pigs with a 100 percent fatality rate.