Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has signed an executive order ensuring a steady supply of the province’s famous roasted pork by permitting the import of live hogs specifically intended for lechon production.
Under Executive Order No. 55, signed on Monday, October 26, the provincial government has eased certain restrictions to help traders transport pigs into Cebu, provided they strictly comply with established veterinary and quarantine regulations.
The policy allows producers to source live hogs from outside the province while maintaining safeguards against African Swine Fever (ASF).
The order mandates that incoming pigs must be delivered directly to designated slaughterhouses for immediate processing. These animals are strictly prohibited from being used for breeding or sold to third-party buyers. The provincial government emphasized that the broader restrictions covering regular live hog, pork, and processed pork imports remain fully in effect.
All incoming shipments will undergo stringent inspections to meet biosecurity standards. Transports must pass through official ports manned by veterinary quarantine personnel who will inspect the animals and verify accompanying paperwork.
Mandatory documents include shipping permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), veterinary health certificates, negative laboratory results via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for ASF, and meat inspection certificates. Transport trucks must also possess valid disinfection certificates, and shipments must state the licensed National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) accredited slaughterhouse of destination.
Any shipments lacking the proper documentation face immediate confiscation, forfeiture, or return to their point of origin.
”The province of Cebu will proactively protect its hog industry and maintain food security by strengthening biosecurity measures and strictly regulating the entry of live hogs, pork, and pork products,” the EO stated.
Previously, Baricuatro implemented a province-wide ban on imported live hogs and pork products last July following confirmed ASF cases in neighboring areas. That initial 45-day prohibition was later extended for another 45 days as the disease persisted in other regions.