A brighter future awaits the swine industry in Villaviciosa, Abra with the turnover of a PhP5.5 Million-worth project for swine repopulation and expansion from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Cordillera (DA-CAR) through its Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program on October 12, 2023.
The INSPIRE project which is inclusive of a perimeter fence, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas, basic farm equipment, shower area, initial stock of 75 heads of piglets, feeds, and biologics was turned over to the Tamac Multipurpose Cooperative in barangay Tamac, Villaviciosa. The project provided is similar to the project handed over to the Arana-ar Farmers Association in Abualan, San Juan, Abra in May 2023.
“The purpose of the INSPIRE project is for the repopulation of hogs in order to cater to the demand of pork supply around the region and hopefully to stabilize the fast rise on the price of meat,” Ruben Dulagan, Regulatory Division Chief, said. “Now the significance of this turnover is for the DA to officially hand over the ownership of this hog repopulation business to the Tamac Multipurpose Cooperative,” he added.
Further, DA-CAR Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engr. Filemon A. Salvador said that the DA is giving interventions to farmers like livelihood and development projects aside from this INSPIRE projects. “You can also come up with a proposal for a farm-to-market road to support this project in preparation for the rainy seasons,” he said.
“This INSPIRE project is a form of love from the government to us farmers in support of the target to improve Filipino lives, therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure its success,” Villaviciosa Mayor Jose W. Lagen underscored. “Problems and challenges will arise but with your unity and determination, you can solve such,” he added.
During her acceptance speech, Tamac Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman Margarita G. Agyapas expressed her gratitude on behalf of the barangay and her cooperative to the DA, the provincial government, and the municipal government staff for choosing them as beneficiary of the INSPIRE project. “This a challenge because it is a very big project but with the unity among the members of our cooperative, we can do it,” she said.
Also present to support the turnover ceremony were Villaviciosa Vice-Mayor Marjorie Lagen, Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Hermina Balaoit, DA-CAR APCO for Abra Dr. Rosemarie Tesaro, Dr. Jomarh Zales from the Abra Provincial Veterinary Office, and the Tamac barangay officials. By Janice Sano and Tan Dulag
