DA-Bureau of Animal Industry validates Swine Industry Recovery Project sites in NorMin

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) paid a courtesy call to Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga to tackle the conduct of site validation under the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) on May 8, this city.

The DA through the National Livestock Program (NLP), rolled out the SIRP with the aim of revitalizing the country’s swine sector after the devastating effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).

According to Dr. Aura Lumabas, BAI NLP Coordinator, Region 10 was identified as a key area for SIRP implementation and is poised for breeder-based development validation.

So far, seven members from the Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers have been validated and found qualified for the SIRP, with five more pending validation to be done in the coming weeks.

In addition to the SIRP, the DA is advocating complementary livestock projects, including goat and sheep expansion program and egg industry development project.

As part of the effort in future-proofing the livestock industry, the government will be investing in the establishment of a vaccine production laboratory at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Nueva Ecija by next year, to reduce dependency on imported vaccines.

Following the SIRP implementation, the BAI will be conducting field monitoring and project assessment to ascertain tangible benefits of the SIRP to farmers and consumers alike.

Earlier in the same week, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan has met with DA Undersecretary for Livestock Constante J. Palabrica, for a roundtable discussion on the prospect of swine industry investment in the region.

The government’s investment to develop a robust swine industry is in keeping with President Marcos’ thrust in positioning the agriculture sector as key economic driver of the country. # (NQA)