Agri-10 through its Livestock program turns over the P5.2-million swine production facility to SIMUSOFAWA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.
KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON – To modernize and enhance the capacity of the local swine industry here, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5.2-million (M) bio-secured and climate-controlled swine production facility to Sinuda Multi-Indigenous Sectoral Farmers and Workers Association (SIMUSOFAWA) on May 23, this town.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas led the handing over of the certificate of turnover to SIMUSOFAWA chairperson Datu Domino A. Pangcat signifying the transfer of ownership and operation of the facility.
The 2,000-square-meter bio-secured swine facility, costing P3,827,241.08, features a perimeter fence, office, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas waste management system, basic farm equipment, and a shower area.
Also part of the component is feeds, Hog scale, animal stocks, and drugs and biologics, for a total of P1.451-M.
According to Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc, the said project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program of the DA designed to enhance biosecurity and disease control measures in the community while simultaneously supporting the repopulation and growth of Northern Mindanao’s swine industry.
RED Pacamalan also underscored the importance of quality breeds of swine in ensuring overall productivity and the proper implementation of this project.
Meanwhile, Datu Pangcat expressed his gratitude to DA saying “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DA sa pagbibigay sa amin ng proyektong ito, dahil ito ay magbibigay karagdagang kita at pangkabuhayan sa aming miyembro at asosasyon. Sa ngayon sisigurohin po namin na makakasali sa mga training tungkol sa pagbababoy para matiyak ang tagumpay ng proyekto.”
The SIMUSOFAWA association, which has been operational for five years now, has 200 members in total. Notably, a significant majority of 70% of its members come from the Matigsalog tribe.
Such a modernized swine production facility is consistent with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s priority agenda for improved agriculture production system in the country.
Present during the activity are DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, Bukidnon Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council chairman Jaime C. Go, Regional AFC Honorio S. Cervantes and Floro V. Dalapag, Kitaotao Municipal Agriculturist Beaulah Grace P. Rafisura, Vice Mayor Marry Ann G. Angit, SB Committee on Agriculture Eduardo C. Beltran and Engr. Alvin S. Obrique representing Kitaotao mayor Edwin P. Abucayan.# (RDME)