TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) recently completed a PhP10.5 million community-based swine repopulation and expansion project under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Repopulation and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program. The turnover ceremonies took place in the city on May 9, 2024 with two farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) benefiting from the intervention.
The Mallong Hillside Farmers Association (MHFA) in Cudal and the Kalinga Rice Terraces Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (RTFAC) in San Julian each received a biosecure facility valued at PhP5.5 million and PhP5 million, respectively. The facilities included a perimeter fence, climate-controlled animal house, waste management system-biogas, basic farm equipment, shower area, initial stocks of piglets, feeds, and biologics.
During the turnover ceremony, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Arlene M. Sagayo emphasized the importance of transparency in every organization, highlighting that transparency helps prevent issues within the group. She also stressed the need for the beneficiaries to undergo training in swine production and meat processing to ensure the production of quality pork and value-added products. Sagayo committed the agency’s continuous guidance to ensure the success of the beneficiaries.
Representing Governor James S. Edduba, Johnny Maymaya expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the project. He praised the DA-INSPIRE program for its promise in empowering farmers and hog raisers, providing essential infrastructure, and enhancing communities’ capacity for sustainable livelihoods. “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the DA-CAR for spearheading the INSPIRE Program which holds immense promise for our farmers and hog raisers in this area. This Program not only provides essential infrastructure but also empowers the communities by enhancing their capacity for sustainable livelihoods. I also extend my gratitude to the city agriculture office and barangay officials for their invaluable contribution to this initiative,” he expressed.
Also, Provincial Agriculturist Domingo Bakilan urged the beneficiaries to maintain the hard work they showed during the construction phase and to continue their unity and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Engineering Division, Filemon Salvador, affirmed that he had seen the FCAs’ solidarity and collaboration throughout their monitoring and expressed his hope that this would continue.
The City Veterinarian Carmen Wanas and Provincial Veterinarian Leonard Damian warned the FCAs to exercise caution because Tabuk City is still susceptible to African Swine Fever (ASF). In an effort to end ASF in the area, they urged locals to take part in the Bantay ASF sa Barangay campaign.
MHFA President Herbert A. Olosan and RTFAC Manager Jane-ai Lomas-e expressed gratitude for the project and committed to fulfill their duties and responsibilities for the success of their organizations.
The INSPIRE program, a key initiative of the DA-National Livestock Program, aims to enhance biosecurity and disease control measures while supporting the growth of the local swine industry. In Kalinga, there are a total of 10 INSPIRE projects, with three already completed.
The turnover ceremonies were attended by representatives of Kalinga Congress Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, Lando Cosilan, and June Placido Alsiyang, Father Mario Madanum, representatives of Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, representatives of Vice-Mayor Dick G. Bal-o, APCO-Kalinga Balag-ey A. Claver, Assistant APCO Bentres Goyo, barangay captains, officers and members of the FCAs, and other barangay officials. By Leny D. Mendoza
