P5.5M hog facility benefits Santa Marcela SARANAY Multi-purpose Cooperative

Santa Marcela, Apayao- In response to the major decline in hog production posed by the adverse outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the municipality, a swine facility project was turned over to SARANAY Multi-purpose Cooperative in barangay Nueva on May 6, 2024.

The project which costs P5,500,000 aimed to accelerate the repopulation of pigs so that there would be an ample supply of pork in the local market and for public consumption, advancing economic growth.

The large-scale intervention encompassed certain number of pigs, pig pellets, bio-secure swine facility with tunnel ventilation system, biogas facility, caretaker shower room, and a perimeter fence.

The farmers’ group, according to Department of Agriculture-Cordillera was selected as the project recipient under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) of the DA, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1143 “State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to African Swine Fever (ASF) Outbreak by then former President Rodrigo Duterte.

OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations of DA-Cordillera, Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo, explained the aid was an initial step towards sustainable development in agri-business, addressing food demand.

It is expected that the cooperative's undertaking will go full blast at the soonest time.

Apart from its promising potential in livelihood and income generation, members are likewise assured of quality, safe and healthy hog production.

Meanwhile, Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez, together with Vice Mayor Rolly Guiang thanked the DA for extending to the municipality a costly and worthwhile project that will not only benefit its immediate recipients but also the community.

Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Ralph Verzon, Municipal Agriculturist, Franklin Abad, Sangguniang Bayan Members, and barangay Nueva Chairman Micheal Morales, were in attendance at the turnover ceremony.