Manila, Jan. 27 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday reported a sharp decline in the number of African swine fever (ASF)-affected barangays, raising hopes that the number would further drop this year.

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the number of ASF-affected barangays recorded in the middle of January was down to eight from the 98 affected barangays on Dec. 31, 2025.

The eight barangays that have active ASF cases are in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Caraga, based on the recent data of BAI.

Affected municipalities are Paracale in Camarines Norte; Balilihan, Candijay, and Mabini in Bohol; Jabonga in Agusan del Norte; and Santa Monica in Surigao del Norte.

Agricuture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attribu...