PUDTOL, Apayao – Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. led the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program, amounting to PhP5.5 million at Barangay San Jose in Pudtol on May 6.
The INSPIRE Program, spanning a three-year timeline, aims to revitalize the swine industry by implementing community-based swine production repopulation and expansion through farm clustering and consolidation. This initiative is crucial in accelerating the recovery of the hog industry, ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of swine and pork products, and revitalizing swine production livelihood while enhancing income and market opportunities for swine raisers.
Following the devastation caused by the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in 2019, Apayao was placed under a state of emergency. The INSPIRE Program is specifically designed to rebuild the Swine Industry by focusing on swine repopulation and the establishment of essential facilities.
The INSPIRE Program’s infrastructure includes an 1800-square meter area with a perimeter fence, 12 cages, a comfort room, a storage room, a control room, a biogas component, and a mortality kit disposal system. Additionally, New Cabatacan MultiPurpose Cooperative (MPC) received an initial stock of 75 piglets and feeds worth 950,000 pesos. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 300 heads of pigs.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar D. Pascua, TESDA Provincial Director Glenn N. Murphy, DILG Provincial Director Engr. Mayer Max G. Adong, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Ralph M. Verzon, DA-ROS Luna Manager/APCO-Apayao Raponcel Saguilot, Dr. Arlene Sagayo from DA-CAR, Pudtol Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua, and members of New Cabatacan MPC.
During his address, Gov. Bulut outlined plans for the INSPIRE Program, emphasizing the importance of value-added meat processing such as ham, longganisa, bagnet, and tocino. He also mentioned upcoming training sessions on meat processing under TESDA.
Sagayo expressed commitment to the success of the INSPIRE Program, encouraging stakeholders to create a successful narrative and promising continuous support and partnership.
“Let us create a story, a successful story. We promise to be partners and not abandon you. If you have any issues, please contact DA-ROS. Failure shouldn’t be the only reason you abandon this project.” According to the feasibility assessment, you should be able to release the 5.5 million as income within three years. They will visit the projects any time to support the New Cabatacan MPC. Let’s use this INSPIRE to encourage the repopulation of hogs, and I hope that the fight against ASF will continue until it is eradicated,” Dr. Sagayo said.
Moreover, Dr. Verzon praised the INSPIRE Program for its comprehensive approach, highlighting the facility’s contribution to enhancing production and food security.
Revelina Galut, Chairwoman of New Cabatacan MPC, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, expressing optimism for the program’s impact on local hog farmers affected by the ASF outbreak. By Krizza Joy Castillo