Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has extended her province's ban on live hogs, pork, and pork products from Negros Island and other African swine fever (ASF)-affected areas to a total of 90 days, citing sustained threats to Cebu's hog industry and food supply.
The extension was formalized through Executive Order No. 44, signed on August 20, 2026. It adds 45 days to the original 45-day prohibition first imposed under Executive Order No. 38, with the total 90-day period counted from EO 38's original effectivity date.
What EO 44 Prohibits
According to EO 44, the ban covers the entry, transport, shipment, conveyance, delivery, or introduction into Cebu — whether commercial or personal — of live domestic and wild pigs, fresh, chilled, or frozen pork, processed pork products, and other pork-derived commodities originating from Negros Island and other ASF-affected provinces or areas.
The order takes effect immediately and remains in force for the balance of the 90-day period, unless sooner revoked, amended, or further extended by the governor.
The Provincial Veterinarian's Office (PVO) is authorized to issue implementing guidelines on covered products and, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), may identify additional swine products, by-products, materials, or articles that pose a material risk of ASF transmission.
Tightened Inspection at Cebu Entry Points
EO 44 directs the PVO, working alongside national agencies, local government units, port authorities, and law-enforcement agencies, to strengthen inspection at ports, airports, wharves, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) facilities, private landing areas, and other points of entry into Cebu.
Shipments reasonably suspected of carrying prohibited or regulated commodities are subject to inspection and verification. According to the order, unauthorized or prohibited shipments may be denied entry, confiscated, returned to origin, or disposed of in accordance with applicable laws.
Mandatory Biosecurity Measures for Hog Industry Stakeholders
The order also imposes strict biosecurity requirements on hog raisers, swine farms, livestock traders, meat dealers, slaughterhouses, and transporters operating within Cebu.
Under EO 44, covered operators must:
- Restrict farm entry to authorized personnel only
- Maintain disinfection facilities at all farm entrances and exits
- Regularly clean and disinfect vehicles, equipment, crates, footwear, and clothing
- Prohibit unauthorized movement of live hogs and regulated pork products
- Keep records of hog movement, purchase, sale, transfer, and source
- Immediately isolate animals showing ASF symptoms and report them to the city or municipal veterinarian or the PVO
- Ensure animals are not brought into farms without the required veterinary health certificates, shipping permits, or other supporting documents
PVO to Conduct Ongoing ASF Risk Assessment
The PVO will continuously assess the ASF situation in Cebu and neighboring provinces and will advise the governor on whether the prohibition should be lifted, modified, maintained, or further extended, according to the executive order.
The assessment will take into account advisories from the DA and BAI, laboratory and surveillance results, epidemiological developments, and other identified risk factors. Provisions of EO 38 that are not inconsistent with EO 44 remain in force.
By the Numbers
- 90 days — total length of the ban from EO 38's original effectivity date
- 45 days — duration of the original ban under Executive Order No. 38
- 45 days — additional days added by Executive Order No. 44
- August 20, 2026 — date EO 44 was signed by Governor Baricuatro
Why This Matters
African swine fever has no cure and no approved vaccine, making containment through movement restrictions and biosecurity enforcement the primary tool for preventing its spread. The extended ban directly affects the flow of pork products from Negros Island into Cebu, with implications for traders, transporters, and consumers on both islands.
By expanding the scope of enforcement to include private landing areas and RoRo facilities — and by imposing strict biosecurity obligations on farm and slaughterhouse operators — EO 44 signals a more comprehensive effort to protect Cebu's swine industry from an ongoing regional outbreak.
Photo credit: Photo from the Province of Cebu / Official Facebook Page