ITOGON, Benguet – Itogon municipality in Benguet is hopeful in boosting their local swine production with the provision of a PhP5.5 Million-worth of modern swine facility, pigs, and feeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-CAR’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program recently in Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet.
The modern swine facility is equipped with essential amenities for efficient swine production such as a ventilation system, biogas facility, shower room, and perimeter fence.
The INSPIRE Program is one of the twin programs of the DA against the African Swine Fever (ASF) which heavily affected the swine industry since its first detection in 2019 in the country. Through the Program, the farmers are also given the needed interventions to recover from the negative impact of the ASF.
Dr. Leisley C. Deligen, OIC-Chief of the DA-CAR Regulatory Division, highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “The Benguet province has a total of 10 INSPIRE-assisted projects, with six in 2022 and four in 2023. These projects, to include the upcoming provision of trucks for farm clustering, are designed to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.”
Leonardo M. Mayao, Jr., president of the cooperative, expressed their gratitude for the support received and emphasized their dedication towards implementing the project despite the challenges faced.
Assistant Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officer Cirilo Batan, also commended the cooperative for their active involvement in the project and stressed the importance of strong management and coordination with LGUs and the DA for its sustainability. “This endeavor is a great help to the community,” he added.
On the part of the provincial government of Benguet, Provincial Governor Melchor Diclas affirmed their full support for the project, along with the Provincial Veterinary Office. Dr. Purita Lesing, Provincial Veterinarian, further emphasized the importance of strict biosecurity measures in place to prevent ASF spread and urged the immediate reporting of sick pigs.
Also present during the ceremony were Mayor Bernard Waclin and Councilor Norberto Pacio, Municipal Agriculturist Bert O. Bayeng, and Barangay Captain Edwin E. Golingab who also emphasized the collaborative efforts and commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of the INSPIRE Program in Benguet. By Jelly Pearl Potectan
