Manila, Philippines — The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) expects the Philippines to import more than 50,000 metric tons less pork this year compared with the 851,000 metric tons in 2025.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippines will not import excessive amounts of pork from other countries, contrary to some reports following the early sale of hogs by local hog raisers.
The DA also said that local hog raisers and food processors have high pork production.
The DA further clarified that the sudden sale of pigs by hog raisers was due to fears of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks and concerns that the disease could resurface amid the rainy season.
Amid concerns over the spread of ASF, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that the initial approval for the rollout of the commercialized AVAC vaccine in the Philippines would help ease the concerns of hog raisers, given its effectiveness in preventing the disease in animals.
The DA had earlier asked the government for ₱1 billion in funding to subsidize the vaccine, particularly in the areas most affected by ASF.
Next year, the ASF PROVAC vaccine from South Korea is also expected to receive approval.
Despite the continued increase in active ASF cases in several barangays, the DA said that there is no outbreak at present.