TADIAN, Mountain Province – “Recovery – that’s that I would like to give emphasis in the acronym INSPIRE (Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion),” Ruben Dulagan from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office Cordillera (DA-RFO CAR) said to the members and officers of the Tadian Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Irrigators Association (TAFFIA) during the INSPIRE Project Turnover Ceremony in Kayan West, Tadian, Mountain Province on November 29, 2023.
“I understand that we are all aware of the African Swine Fever (ASF) influx in the country in July 2019 that led to the rise of the pork price, prompting the government to come up with this INSPIRE program to address this problem along with the insufficient supply. Now that the INSPIRE Project is turned over to you, you must do your role based on the guidelines on the implementation of the project, in addition to that you will submit your liquidation report, and from this 75 heads of piglets’ initial stock, the success measure for this project is for you to raise it up to 300 because that’s the capacity of this facility for you to help address the shortage of pork in the region,” Dulagan added.
During the acceptance of responsibility for the facility management, Eliza Benafin cited that challenges will surely arise within the members including the partnership between DA but they are hopeful that they will surpass all of these. “We have been trying to look for possible target markets, including the famous Good Taste Restaurant, but we still need the help of the DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD),” she said.
To witness and support the turnover ceremony, Hon. Winston Calde representing the provincial government was joined by the support staff from the Provincial Veterinary Office and the DA-CAR’s Agricultural Program Coordinating Office. Also, personnel from the municipal led by Hon. George Bisen, including personnel from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology were present in support of the INSPIRE project while stating some of their programs that can help in the success of the farmers’ cooperatives and associations beneficiary.
On November 30, 2023, another INSPIRE project was turned over to the Barlig Heirloom Rice Farmers Organization Incorporated in the same province.
Dr. Arlene Sagayo, OIC-Regional Director for Research and Regulations, shared a story about the essence of unity in one group or organization during her speech. “As a member of a group, you have a responsibility; you must promote the union among your members to ensure the group’s effectivity and success,” she underscored.
Dulagan also reiterated his message to the TAFFIA members, thus, encouraging the Barlig Heirloom Rice Farmers Organization to ensure that the members will do their roles based on the guidelines required in the implementation of the INSPIRE Project along with the submission of their liquidation report.
Leading the municipal government to support the turnover ceremony was Municipal Agriculturist Ceferino C. Oryan.
The two INSPIRE projects that were turned over to the TAFFIA and Barlig Heirloom Rice Farmers Organization have the same components which are biosecure- and climate-controlled animal housing with fencing, feeds and biologics, biogas system, basic farm equipment, shower area and initial stock of 75 heads of piglets. By Tan Dulag
