DA-10 seals PhP10-M grant to Taparak farmers in Alubijid town for swine prod’n

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by the Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Taparak, represented by Brgy. Captain Arnold E. Palasan and the Taparak Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, represented by its President, Gaudencio B. Jadol, for a grant of a 30-sow level production farm.

With an approved budget amounting to PhP10-million (M) under the 2024 Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, the said project will fund the establishment of 1 unit biosecurity facility (PhP6-M), and the purchase of 38 vaccinated gilts (PhP1.71-M), animal and zoological supplies (PhP2.19-M), and a package of semen (PhP95K).

Aligned with Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.’s directive, the DA issued the revised guidelines for the INSPIRE program in 2024. This, through Memorandum Circular 28, Series of 2024, now called the Modified INSPIRE program, aims to reduce 10% of imported pork (approximately 60k metric tons) by boosting domestic production.

With the production farm grant, Taparak Farmers’ MPC is eyed to boost the local swine industry by supporting repopulation efforts, enhancing biosecurity, and implementing disease control measures. These initiatives will aid recovery from African Swine Fever (ASF), ensure quality breeder stocks in the barangay, and help stabilize pork prices in the retail market.

The MOA signing was also attended by Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca of DA-10; Board Secretary, Pedro L. Leano Jr.; and Taparak’s local officials, Brgy. Secretary Josie P. Ebabacol, and Brgy. Treasurer Zosimo O. Ellevera. # (BJCE)