The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera and the municipal government of Mankayan, Benguet held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the biosecure facility under the agency’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion Program (Inspire).
The Inspire Program is DA’s recovery and repopulation program for the hog sector to respond to the needs of the industry because of the African swine fever (ASF).
The beneficiary of the project worth P10 million is the Balili Backyard Hog Fattening Association.
The project comes with a biosecure facility inclusive of the perimeter fence, climate-controlled animal house, waste management, basic farm equipment, office with shower area, and initial stocks of piglets, including feeds and biologics.
Key personnel from the DA-Cordillera led by Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Arlene Sagayo and the Mankayan officials led by Mayor Dario Banario witnessed the ceremony.
Sagayo said the ceremony is the first page of the association’s success storybook to becoming a role model in the municipality.
Dr. Leisley Deligen, Assistant Regulatory Division chief, emphasized the importance of biosecurity as a preventive measure against ASF.
Regulatory Division Chief Ruben Dulagan said the cooperation and unity of the members of the Balili Backyard Hog Fattening Association are key factors in entrusting them with the big project.
Banario offered the heavy equipment of the municipality and other services they can offer to ensure the success of the Inspire project in the town.
Members of the Balili Backyard Hog Fattening Association assured their commitment to achieve the goal of the project, to observe biosecurity in their facility, and to help other farmers-cooperatives that are interested in venturing into swine production. – Tan Dulag
