The famed lechon district of La Loma is roaring back to life as the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) announced that 14 establishments previously shuttered due to African Swine Fever (ASF) concerns have been cleared and are now confirmed to be ASF-free.
The positive declaration comes two weeks after the city implemented temporary closure orders on the vendors in a swift response to pigs in the area testing positive for the virus. The LGU expressed its satisfaction with the successful decontamination efforts, stating, “The local government is pleased to announce that there is no longer any ASF virus in 14 lechon establishments in La Loma, Quezon City.”
Following the November 13 closure, the affected establishments immediately commenced a rigorous one-week process of daily disinfection. This sanitation effort was conducted in close collaboration with the City Veterinary Department and the QC Health Department, ensuring full compliance with memorandums issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Beyond the intense clean-up, all 14 stalls were mandated to adhere to comprehensive sanitary, safety, and health protocols before being considered for reopening.
The hard work has already paid off for some, with three of the concerned lechon stalls already receiving an official lifting order, allowing them to resume operations. These initial three were the first to successfully pass the stringent regulatory standards set by the City Health Department and the City Veterinary Department.
The Quezon City government affirmed its commitment to the local economy, stating it “will continue to assist businessmen to ensure that all of them can follow protocols and maintain the quality of products coming from La Loma,” guaranteeing that the area’s celebrated roast pig remains safe and high-quality for consumers.