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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to receive on Tuesday (September 4) the result of the confirmatory test on the sample of infected pigs in an undisclosed location in the country.
Whatever the result of the test may be, according to the DA, pork items available in local markets remain safe for consumption and so consumers have no reason to panic.
“Kung positive naman, meron na tayong all over the country naka-in place na yung quarantine and food safety measures (If the result is positive, we have quarantine and food safety measures in place across the country),” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.
Dar confirmed that at present, five areas in the country are under quarantine procedures though he refused to disclose the exact locations so as not to affect the country’s hog industry.
The Secretary is expected to report to the President on Tuesday evening ASF-related concerns during the Cabinet meeting.
To allay public fears, Secretary Dar invited the public to join a boodle fight on Friday (September 6) to prove that there is no reason to be alarmed in eating pork.
“We are inviting you, mga barbecue, igado, whatever, luluto po tayo para lahat kayo ay mabubusog (We are inviting you to have barbecue, pork igado, all of you will be filled),” he said.
“Walang delikado sa karne ng baboy (There is no risk in [eating] pork),” he concluded. – MNP (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
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