Fiesta sans bringhouse from

56 ASF infected barangays

CORTES, Bohol, (PIA)—A week before the fiesta month erupts marked by squealing of pigs for the traditional banquet after pontifical masses, fiesta-goers in at least 56 barangays are in for a major frustrate: there would be no “bringhouse” for them.

Bringhouse, a popular tradition among Boholanos if not Filipinos, obligates the hosts to pack a provision of the fiestagoer, intended for those family members left at home.

But with the African Swine Fever (ASF) threat, authorities have banned the carry of pork, be they processed, cooked or raw and even live pigs from areas affected by the disease, to prevent the spread of the virus, which can ride on the meat out of the affected area to start a new case of infection.

This as the authorities of barangays, municipalities and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) continue to wrestle with the virus that has since threatened the conduct of the traditional fiestas here.

In a report dated April 24, 2025, the OPV said that of the 56 barangays that are still affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) based on their results, 12 cases have shown PCR positive results of the virus, while the rest are ruled positive of the virus based on mandatory rapid tests for sick animals and those within the vicinity of the farm pen with a positive case.

A PCR test means using a polymerase chain reaction using amplification of the DNA to check on the presence of the virus, while a rapid antigen test makes use of determining the presence or absence of the antigen which can trigger an organism’s immune response.

The 12 PCR positive cases of the ASF virus are now traced in one of the six active ASF cases in Buenavista, one of the five cases in Getafe, all three cases detected in Talibon, all of the two cases in Trinidad, all three cases in Dagohoy, two of the six cases in Ubay.

Second District towns and barangays with affectations include 11 barangays of Getafe (Poblacion, Campao Oriental, Sto.Nino, Saguise, Tolang, Taytay, Carlos P. Garcia, Tugas, Salog, Mahanay, JandayanNorte and Cangmundo), 6 barangays of Buenavista (Lubang, Lusong, Nueva Granada, Poblacion, Cantores and Cruz) and Estaca of Dagohoy.

Five barangays of Talibon (San Jose, Sto. Nino, Rizal, San Francisco and Tanghaligue), 4 barangays of Trinidad (La Victoria, Soom, San VIcente and Kinan-oan), 9 barangays of Ubay (Katarungan, Union, Tipolo, Bood, Fatima, Camambugan, Imelda and Sinandigan.

Three barangays of Bien Unido (San Pdero, Tuburan, Poblacion), 1 barangay of Inabanga (Cogon) and 2 barangays of Sagbayan (Canmaya Centro and Canmano).

In the First District, towns affected by the ASF include 1 barangay of Catigbian (Maitum), 1 barangay of Tubigon (Bosongon), 2 barangays of Sikatuna (Bahay-bahay, Badiang), 1 barangay of Balilihan (Datag Sur), 1 barangay of Alburquerque (Dangay), 2 barangays of Calape (Mandaug and Sta Cruz) and 2 barangays of Dauis (Sungcolan and Mayacabac).

There currently no active ASF cases in the Third District. (PIABohol)