TABUK CITY, Kalinga- – The Malalao Farmers Organization (MFO) is a beneficiary of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The program, which includes swine clustering, aims to institute biosecurity and disease control measures through a strong collaboration between and among the DA, its relevant agencies, with concerned local government units (LGUs), and stakeholders.
Dr. Carmen Wanas, the city veterinarian, claims that the MFO was chosen after being approved by the Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-CAR) and meeting screening requirements, including having at least 30 members actively involved in pig farming, being registered with the Registry System for Basic Services in Agriculture (RSBSA), being accredited by the regional DA office, and owning the piggery.
As a recipient of the INSPIRE, the MFO will be provided with 300 piglets, feed pellets for the first production, weighing scales, a biosecured piggery equipped with fencing, water system, lighting and electricity.
Construction of a biosecure pig farm on a 2,000 square meters lot owned by the organization began on September 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be done in 120 days. Entry restrictions will be put in place after the facility is finished.
Wanas is confident that Tabuk City’s hog production, which fell as a result of the African Swine Fever, will rise because of INSPIRE.
City Mayor Darwin Estrañero is grateful for the DA-CAR for choosing an organization as beneficiary of the INSPIRE saying the opportunity would help boost the pig raising industry while providing additional income to pig raisers.
