MANILA — In response to the escalating African swine fever (ASF) cases, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to procure an additional 150,000 doses of AVAC live vaccines from Vietnam. This decision comes as the number of barangays affected by ASF has surged dramatically, raising significant concerns for the country's hog industry.

According to Philippines News Agency, the sharp increase in red zones—from 24 barangays in May to 458 by late August—has prompted the urgent acquisition of vaccines to curb the spread of the disease. In an effort to mitigate the situation, the first vaccinations are scheduled to start on August 30 in Lobo, Batangas, despite legal challenges faced by the department concerning the vaccine's importation and trials.

The DA is currently navigating a complaint lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman, alleging collusion between the vaccine distributor, KPP Powers Commodities Incorporated, and various government officials, which has led to delays and apprehensions within the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that replacements are being considered for key positions to ensure the continuation of vaccine deployment. He expressed frustration over the potential delays caused by these allegations, which he described as bordering on economic sabotage.

As part of its efforts, the DA has already secured 10,000 doses through emergency procurement, with plans to distribute up to 600,000 doses across the affected areas using a PHP350 million fund. Tiu Laurel indicated that additional funds could be sourced to procure up to 1.2 million vaccines if the outbreak persists.

The recent report from the BAI highlights the critical situation, with ASF now affecting 115 municipalities across 15 regions, with the highest number of cases reported in North Cotabato, Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, and Quezon. New cases have also been identified in Northern Luzon, a major hog and pork production area for Metro Manila.