MANKAYAN, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office Cordillera (DA-RFO CAR) together with the staff from the provincial government, turned over an Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Repopulation and Expansion (INSPIRE) project to Cadahill Farmers Association in Mankayan, Benguet, on April 26, 2024. This PhP5.5 million-worth project comes with a biosecure facility inclusive of a perimeter fence, climate-controlled animal house, waste management system-biogas, basic farm equipment, office, and shower area with initial stocks of 75 piglets including feeds and biologics.
The INSPIRE Program is one of the priorities of the DA-National Livestock Program that aims to institutionalize the biosecurity and disease control measures in tandem with calibrated repopulation and enhancement of the local swine industry to recover the sector’s capacity to locally produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork in the Philippines.
“As we always say, disinfect regularly. The office is open for requests for disinfectants. If, in any case, the province cannot cater such, we can endorse these requests to the region,” said Dr. Purita Lesing of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO). She also reiterated that when the farmers and cooperative associations (FCAs) will be stocking piglets, they should consult the PVO to test the stocks. This is to prevent cases of ASF that can possibly affect the operation of the farm. She reiterated the strict biosecurity measures to adhere to in order to prevent the entry of African Swine Flu in the area, specifically on swill feeding. Also, to secure veterinary health certificates when procuring piglets and or shipping permits.
Further, Dr. Leisley C. Deligen, OIC-Chief of the DA-CAR Regulatory Division, highlighted the importance of the INSPIRE project to boost the swine industry in the country. He seconded what Dr. Lesing had said on the payback scheme of the project while challenging the FCA that the success indicator of the project is when they can produce a total of 5.5 million worth of pork.
Deligen also pointed out that the persistence, dedication and perseverance of the Cadahill Farmers Association led for the project to materialize. “Ang tinutulungan ng gobyerno ay ang mga grupo at taong tumutulong din sa kanilang mga sarili,” he added.
Other key officials who were present to support the turnover ceremony were staff from Benguet APCO led by Lito Mocati, Roger Bengwasan from the Provincial Veterinary Office, staff from the municipal government led by Andres Bolislis, and barangay officials of Balili, Mankayan. By Gregory M. Hinto /Flor Jylen Cariño
