La Loma 'lechoneros' ensure ASF-free pork, readiness for 'Ber' months

MANILA – A group of "lechoneros" or sellers of lechon (roasted pig) in Quezon City's La Loma District assured clients that their pork products are free from the African swine fever (ASF) even as it lauded government efforts to curb the resurgence of the disease.

In an interview on Sunday, Ramon Ferreros, founder of the La Loma Lechoneros Association, said national government agencies and municipal and city veterinary offices handle the ASF outbreak by implementing guidelines to ensure that only safe pork and by-products reach consumers.

"Before delivery, shipping permits and certifications from veterinary offices of the provinces are all set. Upon arrival, inspectors from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and Quezon City Veterinary Department are also there," he told the Philippine News Agency.

He said absence of valid and complete certification will merit immediate confiscation by the regulating agencies.

Ferreros said no infected pigs from Batangas, Marinduque, Mindoro and Quezon provinces are allowed entry into the city.

He informed the public that hogs with ASF have red spots that turn black once cooked so buyers would recognize unsafe pork.

He assured that every lechon seller in La Loma sells pork that is in good condition.

"I can assure you that La Loma is ASF-free. The roastery here went through the strict inspection from the city veterinary department, National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), in addition to the checkpoints of DA and BAI during travel from the provinces," he said.

Moreover, the lechon capital of the National Capital Region (NCR) is ready for the holiday celebrations as the 'Ber months start in a week, he said.

"When September arrives, the demand appreciates up to 15 percent already. As December approaches, more and more people are looking for lechon to include in their celebrations," Ferreros said.

He noted that with sales picking up, lechoneros in La Loma could feel that the economy is "getting better following the negative effects brought about by the pandemic." (PNA)