NOTE: THIS PRESS RELEASE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE BOHOL CHRONICLE’S SUNDAY PRINT EDITION.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) reported a notable decrease in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in Bohol from April to mid-June 2025.
According to Officer-in-Charge Dr. Meydallyn Paman, affected barangays with active cases dropped from 64 in April to 44 barangays, while the number of affected towns fell from 19 to 15.
The cumulative data, dated June 15, revealed active cases from Ubay (8 barangays), Getafe (5), CPG (5), Talibon (4), Baclayon (3), Loon (3), Tubigon (3), Balilihan (2), Buenavista (2), Calape (2), Catigbian (2), Corella (2), Clarin (1), Sikatuna (1), and Tagbilaran City (1).
This decline is credited to the advocacy campaign, the intensified biosecurity efforts, surveillance, and immediate field response of the OPV, C/MLGU and BLGU participation and the whole ASF Provincial Task Force.
ASF outbreaks in March and April contributed to pork price volatility due to supply adjustments, speculative pricing, and movement restrictions as demand rose due to the upcoming May fiesta celebration.
Between May 30 and June 6, pork prices in some areas reached a high of 440 pesos per kilo, although several towns maintained lower prices at around 320 pesos per kilo since May 2.
By June, a return to more regular pricing was observed, although prices remained slightly higher than January levels, indicating an upward trend over the six months.
In connection, the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) convened on June 17 at the Capitol to assess the supply and pricing of basic commodities.
The meeting was led by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte and attended by representatives from DTI, BFAR, OPA, DOE, DENR, DOH, and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture-Bohol shared mid-June updates showing pork loin and tenderloin as the highest-priced cuts, with pork bones as the most affordable.
Prices in the Dao Public Market remained stable and consistent with those in commercial outlets.
Beef cuts continued to be priced higher than other meats, while whole-dressed chicken was moderately priced.
Chicken egg prices slightly increased depending on size, though data for the smallest and largest sizes were unavailable.
Overall, meat and poultry prices across the province were generally stable with minor variations.
Other concerns were also tackled that indirectly affect commodity prices, including public health risks such as the emerging cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in the province.
No confirmed or active Mpox cases have been recorded in Bohol to date.
Governor Aris Aumentado, through Caberte, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting public health, stabilizing markets, and promoting transparent monitoring as prioritized in his Strategic Change Agenda.
As the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island, Bohol continues to pursue inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development. (PIMO/JSS)