DA-10 launches its Sentineling Program in Iligan City, the first-ever area to be hit by ASF in NorMin.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) launched its Sentineling Program for the recovery of the swine industry in Iligan City, being the first African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected area in the region.

On July 28, in coordination with the Iligan City Veterinary Office (CVO), about 302 heads of sentinel piglet were distributed among the hog backyard raisers in the five affected barangays of Pugaan, Mainit, Digkilaan, Mandulog and Kaplag.

Overall costing P6.62 million the program also includes the provision of drugs and biologics, along with the distribution of animals, and feeds, which are yet to be delivered in August, this year.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the sentineling program is a science-based preparation for hog repopulation in the ASF-stricken towns and cities to ascertain if said disease is still present in an area.

He added that the program is a component of the DA Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE), that can help easen the increasing prices of hogs and pork products as the industry recovers from said contagious animal disease.

DA-NorMin Livestock program Coordinator Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco explained, that the beneficiaries of the sentinel hogs [one hog per beneficiary] were pre-validated and inspected to ensure that they have complied the establishment of a biosecurity system in their farms.

“Within 40 days, the hogs will be monitored by the Barangay Biosecurity Officers, who have undergone training through DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Later on, as the hogs will be tested negative from ASF or any other hemmorhagic fever virus, the city will be lifted to ASF green zone, where small hog raisers can readily avail other programs of DA INSPIRE, such as the Construction of Biosecured and Climate-controlled Finisher Facility, Swine Industry Insurance Program, among others,” Sypiecco noted.

Meanwhile, Marceliana A. Lacasa shared how the program is beneficial for them as small hog raisers.

“Isa ako sa mga naapektohan ng ASF sa aming barangay at nabigyan ng indemnification ng DA. Aalagaan ko nang maayos ang biik na ito at pararamihin upang mapagkakakitaan pagdating ng panahon,” Lacasa said.

Moreover, Iligan CVO headed by Dr. Maria Dahlia M. Valera, has also given the beneficiaries with 1 gallon each of disinfectant for the biosecurity system of their respective backyard farms.

Dr. Valera also urged the farmers to be vigilant and to report any suspicion of ASF in their community for the success of the program, and attain the goal of reviving the hog industry.

Also present during the said distribution is Kevin R. Fernan, officer-in-charge of Iligan City Agriculture’s Office, barangay chairs and other staff of CVO and DA-10.# (Edgar M. Bentulan, Jr.)