DA to repopulate swine population via stronger biosecurity measures

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is working at repopulating the swine sector— badly hit by the African Swine Fever in recent months– though stronger   biosecurity measures and science-based restocking programs for the industry’s recovery and food security.                                                                

The Philippines has yet to rebuild its hog population to 13 million heads way back in 2019, said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. 

Keynoting the Hog Festival 2026, Laurel called the swine sector as the cornerstone of Philippine agriculture and a critical source of livelihood for thousands of rural families.

He said the government is working at accelerating the recovery of hog populations in ASF-free areas while protecting farmers’ incomes and ensuring Filipino consumers continue to have access to affordable pork.

“Through stronger biosecurity measures, science-based repopulation programs, and close collaboration with industry stakeholders, we are rebuilding a more resilient and sustainable swine sector,” Laurel said.

The  festival serves as a showcase for Filipino culinary talent and a platform for promoting locally produced pork just when the industry continues to grapple with disease outbreaks, rising production costs, and climate-related threats.

The DA has been collaborating with local governments, industry groups, and private-sector partners to strengthen biosecurity protocols and accelerate repopulation efforts in areas declared free of ASF, to restore domestic production capacity while reducing the industry’s vulnerability to future outbreaks.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s total swine inventory stood at 8.75 million heads in 2025, down from 9.57 million in 2024. Smallhold farms accounted for 6.09 million heads, while semi-commercial and commercial farms held the balance.

The volume of hogs slaughtered last year declined to 20.74 million from 21.61 million in 2024 and 25.36 million in 2020.

The recovery effort is also closely tied to the government’s broader food security agenda. Pork remains one of the country’s most widely consumed protein sources, making the health of the hog industry a key factor in controlling food inflation and ensuring adequate supply in local markets.

The DA is also encouraging consumers to support locally produced pork, arguing that stronger demand for domestic products helps generate jobs, sustain rural livelihoods, and stimulate economic activity in farming communities.

Laurel commended the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. for allocating part of the event’s proceeds to scholarship grants for deserving children of farmers pursuing studies in agriculture and culinary arts.

As the government pushes forward with repopulation programs, industry leaders say long-term success will depend on sustaining disease control measures, improving farm productivity, and building a more resilient swine sector capable of meeting the country’s growing food requirements