The recent detection of ASF in Cebu has led the Bohol provincial government to heighten its efforts to safeguard its swine industry. Bohol maintains its “green level” status as it remains free of ASF.
AGC recognizes the impact of ASF on all hog raisers and pork consumers in Bohol, prompting it to ensure food security by lessening the risk of contamination. The company sources its meat from its own farm – Marcela Farms, which heavily promotes biosecurity measures to prevent unwanted diseases or viruses from penetrating.
Marcela Farms has been in the agricultural business for over 40 years and serves as the main source of livestock for Alturas Malls. It also supplies food needs such as hogs, chicken, eggs, prawns, fish, and rice for institutional customers in the country and abroad.
“We take ASF matters seriously. We want to assure our customers that we are doing everything to prevent it from reaching Bohol. Our farm implements advanced biosecurity measures to ensure the health and safety of our hogs, and we are confident that we can supply meat products for Bohol even if the province limits or stops meat importation,” said Alturas Group General Manager Marlito Uy.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease in pigs, which can result in high mortality rates. While the virus does not affect people and has no impact on human health, it poses a significant threat to the hog industry.
By intensifying its biosecurity measures, the company hopes to prevent the entry and spread of ASF in Bohol and continue to provide high-quality food products to its customers. Biosecurity measures are critical in keeping diseases and pathogens that carry them away from livestock, property, and people.
External biosecurity measures being implemented by AGC include no new pigs, control of pests, installation of air filtration systems, no visitors, and managing vehicle traffic. Vehicles and equipment are only allowed onto the farm if cleaned and disinfected beforehand. There is a 20-day quarantine period for vehicles coming from outside Bohol. People who may have been in contact with other pigs are also not allowed on the farm.
As its 50th anniversary approaches this year, AGC continues to be a highly diversified and integrated conglomerate in Bohol, encompassing retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial sectors. The company remains true to its values rooted in strategic, sustainable progress and embodies its main slogan of “Serving the community, Uplifting Lives.”
For more information about Alturas Group of Companies, please visit www.alturasbohol.com.
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