Quezon City temporarily closes 14 lechon stores due to ASF scare

Fourteen lechon stores in Quezon City's La Loma district have been temporarily closed by the local government due to an African Swine Fever (ASF) scare.

The closures followed recommendations from the Bureau of Animal Industry after pigs tested positive for ASF.

The Quezon City Government ordered the temporary closure as a precautionary measure while shops and slaughterhouses are disinfected.

This is a critical time for the lechon business, with sales typically increasing due to Christmas parties.

Lechon shop owners expressed concern about the financial impact and the uncertainty of when they can reopen.

The president of the La Loma Lechoneros Association highlighted the blow to their cultural heritage, livelihood, and employees.

Checkpoints have been established around La Loma to control swine movement within the city.