P596M in damage a setback to Negros Occidental’s livestock sector
By Erwin P. Nicavera
THE livestock industry of Negros Occidental is experiencing a setback due to the damage brought about by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, an official said.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said Monday, December 20, that the typhoon’s damage to the local livestock and poultry sector is pegged at almost P596 million as of December 19, 2021.
Decena said that of the figure, P275 million accounts for the damaged broiler, feeds and housing facility.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) also noted P100,368,970 worth of damage to piggeries and swine, including weanlings, piglets, sow, gilt and boar; backyard animals, animal housing and pig pens – P64,924,075; gamefowl and housing facility – P54.736 million; and local government unit-owned structures – P35,232,000.
The remaining cost of damage accounts for provincial farms, including the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm in La Carlota City with P10,280,000 and Negros First Ranch in Murcia town with P3,530,000, he added.
The provincial veterinarian said that aside from technical support and provision of veterinary drugs and supplement, the province’s finance committee is still finalizing the remaining balance of the disaster fund as it was also utilized for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response this year.
In terms of industry setbacks, Decena said the damage brought by the typhoon will possibly slow the province’s pig production growth.
“The poultry, on the other hand, will take six months or more to rebuild the houses,” he said, adding that they are also meeting with broiler integrators and swine raisers association to discuss more measures on address the problems brought by the calamity.
