Bohol eases ASF restrictions, opens borders to pork products
TAGBILARAN CITY—Bohol is set to transition from a total ban to a regulated entry system for live pigs, pork and pork products after the provincial board approved an ordinance on this matter on third and final reading on Tuesday.
The measure, now awaiting the signature of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, introduces a controlled and science-based approach to allowing pork products into the province. This marks a major shift from the strict border measures enforced for years to protect Bohol from African swine fever (ASF), while still upholding strong safeguards against the animal disease.
Well-regulated control
Board Member Lucille Lagunay, chair of the provincial board’s committee on agriculture, underscored that the measure does not represent a relaxation of rules but a shift to careful, well-regulated control.
The province, she said, is reopening its borders responsibly by requiring stronger diligence, tighter compliance, and full biosecurity measures.
According to Lagunay, Provincial Ordinance No. 50-2025 is designed to restore supply, stabilize prices, and help revitalize the local hog industry without weakening Bohol’s defenses.
She said the policy would provide consumers with more choices, create opportunities for hog raisers to rebuild, and support the province’s gradual and responsible recovery.
Documentation
Under the ordinance, live hogs, pork, and processed pork products may enter Bohol only when accompanied by complete documentation, including veterinary health certificates, shipping permits, laboratory-issued ASF-free test results.
The new policy aims to stabilize pork supply, prevent market shortages, and address long-standing issues, such as inbreeding and breeder-quality decline caused by prolonged import restrictions. It also seeks to enhance productivity across the local industry.
The ordinance was developed following extensive consultations with the Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Legal Office, hog growers, meat processors, and other industry players. It also aligns with zoning and movement protocols issued by the Department of Agriculture.
At least 18 municipalities and 42 barangays still have active ASF cases, while 411 barangays have been declared cleared as of this month.
Bohol first implemented a province-wide ban on the entry of pigs and pork products in 2019 at the height of the ASF outbreak to protect its P6-billion hog industry.
