BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia will meet with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson to discuss a practical arrangement on the banning of pork and pork products in the province.
Leonardia said he will get in touch with the governor to come up with a coordinated effort regarding such measure.
In November, the provincial government of Negros Occidental passed an ordinance prohibiting the entry of live pig, boar, pork, and pork products including food items with pork ingredient originating outside the province affected with African Swine Fever (ASF).
The ASF Prevention Ordinance of the province will take effect on Monday, 9 December, however, the city has not given a clear answer whether or not they will follow or adopt the ordinance.
Leonardia earlier said the city and the province must define the parameters in enforcing the ban on pork and pork products.
“Probably a meeting with Governor Lacson will lead to a point where we can say that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, he said.
The city mayor added that he would like to have a harmonized policy on pork ban because the city and the province cannot be delineated to each other.
“In terms of practicality and reality, we’re situated on one island only. You cannot delineate both,” he said.
While the provincial ordinance on ASF ban is set to be enforced on Monday, the city still has no ordinance as such.
Leonardia said this may lead to confusion.
“The council is aware of this, and I cannot preempt them. It’s up for the city council what action to take,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the city may adopt the ASF ordinance of the province if it brings more benefit to the people.
