First swine insemination facility in Cordillera launched in Mountain Province

Bauko, Mt. Province – Mountain Province is now making waves in the agricultural sector by embracing AI (artificial insemination) for swine repopulation and livestock improvement.

Through a collaborative project of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-ATI-CAR) and the provincial government of Mountain Province, the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB) Facility was inaugurated and turned over to the province on March 13.

This first of its kind facility marks a significant milestone in the region's quest for a safer and more efficient approach to hog repopulation and production as it recovers from the aftermath of challenges posed by African swine fever.

DA-ATI-CAR Training Center Director Charlie C. Sagudan stated that the project was made possible through the DA's Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion Program.

The program aims ‘to implement calibrated repopulation and enhancement of the local swine industry to recover from the African swine fever and locally produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork.’

On his part, the province’s provincial veterinarian, Rodelio Bagawi, underscores the facility’s role in insemination and mitigating the spread of swine disease through the adoption of modern facilities with climate-controlled systems and biosecurity.

“The facility will offer a sustainable source of processed semen from quality and genetically superior boars that will be sold at a competitive price,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor and vice governor of the province expressed their gratitude to DA-ATI-CAR for bringing advanced technology, saying that it will help sustain livestock, boost agriculture, and give local farmers new sources of both food and revenue.

The said facility is located at Provincial Nursery, Otucan Norte, Bauko, and will welcome its first cohort of ten boars by March 20.