The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has intensified border controls at seaports and entry points following a confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in neighboring Negros Occidental. The move aims to protect Cebu’s P15-billion hog industry, which has grown from P11 billion in 2019. Officials are determined to maintain the province’s zero-case status, with 16 local government units currently applying for official ASF-free certification from the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Focus on High-Risk Ports
While the outbreak occurred in Negros Occidental, Cebu officials are monitoring all possible entry points due to the rapid movement of pigs between provinces to meet demand for local lechon production. PVO Head Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy emphasized that the province is focusing on seaports facing Negros Island, such as Toledo City and Tabuelan, along with multiple entry points in southern Cebu.
“So, it's not only the seaports facing the Negros Island, but possible other entry, port of entries diri sa Cebu Province,” Vincoy said. “So stricter gihapon ang ato-ang imposition ana, knowing nga we have a huge hog industry diri sa Cebu.”
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, that ASF cases have returned to the province, three years after the same disease caused widespread pig deaths. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has been fully briefed on the situation.
Battle Against a Hidden Virus
Vincoy warned that African Swine Fever is extremely difficult to eliminate once it enters a region. “The African Swine Fever virus is already in the Philippines,” Vincoy said. “So once it enters an area, the virus is really there. It's just a matter of time when it's conducive for them to multiply.”
The sudden tightening of borders comes at a critical time for Cebu, as 16 local government units across the province are applying for official ASF-free status from the Bureau of Animal Industry. To support this, the PVO previously launched a province-wide hog surveillance and testing program, which helps small-scale farmers—hard hit by past travel restrictions—secure a green zone certification from the Department of Agriculture.
Stricter Rules for Animal Transporters
To prevent illegal entries, the PVO has set tough requirements for anyone bringing livestock into Cebu. Transporters must now present a valid shipping permit, an official animal health certificate, and a mandatory negative ASF test result for all live animals.
Cebu has dealt with border breaches in the past. On October 26, 2024, during a period of high ASF alerts, around 80 hogs were smuggled into Dumanjug in southwestern Cebu from Negros Oriental. To prevent a recurrence, the Provincial Government met with the National Meat Inspection Service on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Additional meetings are scheduled with municipal ASF coordinators to ensure the entire province collaborates in defending Cebu’s livestock.
