Cebu Launches Province-Wide Hog Surveillance to Secure ASF Green Zone Certification
The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has announced a comprehensive province-wide hog surveillance program aimed at assisting local raisers in meeting shipping requirements and securing a vital "green zone" certification from the Department of Agriculture (DA). This strategic initiative is designed to enhance compliance with national guidelines and facilitate the movement of livestock beyond provincial borders.
Surveillance for Certification and Market Access
Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, head of the PVO, emphasized on Monday, March 2, 2026, that the surveillance and specimen collection efforts will generate essential laboratory results required for the certification process. Once the green zone certification is granted, small-scale hog raisers in Cebu may gain authorization to transport and sell their livestock outside the province, subject to strict national regulations. This move is expected to open up new market opportunities and support the local agricultural economy.
Response to Movement Controls and ASF Impact
The surveillance program follows a directive from Governor Pamela Baricuatro to aid hog raisers who have been adversely affected by movement controls implemented due to African Swine Fever (ASF). Currently, hog shipments outside Cebu necessitate a permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry–Regional Veterinary Quarantine Service (BAI-RVQS). The PVO and government veterinarians are responsible for issuing animal health certificates, while inter-provincial shipping permits are released by the BAI, ensuring a coordinated approach to disease management.
Updated ASF Zoning Classifications in Cebu
Based on the DA-BAI zoning update as of February 13, 2026, Cebu features several areas under distinct ASF classifications, reflecting the varying levels of infection risk and control measures:
- Red (Infected) Zones: Bogo City, Carcar City, Cebu City, Cordova, Lapu-Lapu City, Liloan, Mandaue City, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga, Talisay City, and Tuburan.
- Yellow (Surveillance) Areas: Alcantara, Badian, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Danao City, and Moalboal.
- Pink (Buffer) Zone: Eighteen localities, including Argao, Balamban, City of Naga, and Toledo City.
- Dark Green (Free) Areas: Bantayan, Boljoon, Ginatilan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Pilar, Poro, Samboan, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Santander, and Tudela.
- Light Green (Protected) Zones: Alcoy and Alegria.
This detailed zoning underscores the importance of targeted surveillance to maintain and improve the health status of hog populations across the province, ultimately supporting the broader goal of achieving green zone certification and revitalizing the livestock sector.
