Balbalan keeps borders shut to hogs, pork to keep ASF out; Mayor Malannag urges compliance with the ban

BALBALAN, Kalinga — Mayor Almar Malannag is keeping Balbalan’s borders tight against the entry of live hogs and pork products to protect the municipality’s hog industry from African Swine Fever (ASF), as the town remains free of the disease.

Malannag said on October 20 that no ASF case had been recorded in Balbalan and that he had received no reports of attempts to violate the temporary ban.

The restriction took effect under Executive Order No. 23, series of 2026, which Malannag signed on October 1 following reports of active ASF cases in neighboring areas and provinces.

The order prohibits the entry of live hogs regardless of origin; fresh, frozen or raw pork; processed or cooked pork products; and swill or untreated food waste intended for animal feed.

The municipal government considers the spread of ASF a serious threat to local livestock livelihoods and the swine industry, prompting the implementation of precautionary measures, strict quarantine controls and biosecurity protocols.

“Let us continue complying with the temporary ban being implemented in Balbalan to prevent ASF from entering the municipality. We should consider the welfare of hog raisers, since raising pigs is their livelihood, as well as the welfare of the public,” Malannag said.

The mayor assured residents that the municipal government would continue implementing measures and programs to prevent the entry and spread of ASF.