TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Agriculture has turned over a P5.5-million worth swine production facility to the Malalao Farmers Multipurpose Organization (MFMO) in Barangay Malalao, Tabuk City.
DA Regional Technical Director for Research Arlene Sagayo led the turnover of the facility which was funded under DA’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (Inspire) program.
The structure is designed for 300 heads of hybrid swine, and equipped with feeders, cooling pads, nipple drinkers, exhaust fans, biogas module, and a stock room.
Sagayo said the building is the first modern swine production facility inaugurated in the province this year.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain the facility, and to produce quality swine so they can apply for accreditation on Good Animal Husbandry Practices.
Malalao Punong Barangay and MFMO vice president Efren Bangcoleng expressed gratitude to the government for the project.
Both are hopeful the facility will help hasten recovery of hog raisers in their area affected by the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. It will also improve the swine industry of the city.
Tabuk City was placed under a state of emergency due to an outbreak of the disease last quarter of 2023.
For security and protection, Bancoleng said as their organization’s counterpart, the MFMO will fence the site and deploy at least two workers to manage the facility.
Sagayo announced other similar projects are ongoing in Balbalan, Lubuagan, Rizal and another in Barangay Cudal, also in this city.
The Alliance of Tribes for Oneness in Development Credit Cooperative recently started the construction of a P10M project under the Inspire program in Barangay Nambaran, here. – Larry Lopez
