Politics · Philippines Bureau
Cebu relaxes African swine fever curbs to support lechon industry
The Cebu provincial government has eased restrictions on live hog shipments for lechon production, allowing producers greater sourcing flexibility while maintaining biosecurity safeguards. Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed the executive order this week to support the region's iconic roasted pig trade.
LSN Philippines ·
CEBU CITY — Cebu's provincial government has moved to bolster the lechon industry by permitting the entry and transport of live hogs for roasted pig production under a regulated framework.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 55 on October 26, authorizing shipments of live pigs designated for lechon production. The measure aims to give producers greater access to livestock supply while adhering to strict protocols designed to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from spreading.
The policy allows lechon manufacturers to source live hogs from expanded geographic areas, subject to compliance with established biosecurity requirements and health certifications. Officials have stipulated that shipments must meet veterinary standards and facility inspections to mitigate disease transmission risks.
The move balances economic interests in maintaining Cebu's lechon production capacity with ongoing efforts to contain ASF, which has impacted hog farming across the Philippines. The relaxed restrictions come as producers have faced supply constraints under previous import limitations.