DA pushes native animal development in Cordillera

By Delfina Layagan

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture Cordillera is now implementing a program that supports production of native livestock by interested beneficiaries in the region.

OIC regional executive director Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina said the DA regional office here was tasked to promote the conservation and utilization of domesticated native “food” animals.

She said under DA Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2010, the implementation of the Philippine Native Animal Development Program (PNAD) envisions to provide “pride, health, and wealth” to local raisers of native livestock.

Right now, this is being pushed through the conservation, production and marketing of native animals under a sustainable environment, she added.

Dr. Anthony Bantog, regional DA livestock and regulatory division chief said there are several opportunities in native livestock production.

He said native animals have the ability to adapt, survive, and reproduce under adverse conditions and that growing these require low inputs.

Bantog added domesticated native livestock are known to be more resistant to diseases and a growing number of consumers indicated that the meat of native livestock are superior in taste.

Meat of native livestock reportedly now command premium price, and have neutraceutical benefits while there is an increasing shift in consumer preference toward natural products with unique taste, texture and flavor.

In the Cordillera, the DA regional office has already started implementing its assistance for native livestock production with the distribution of 460 heads of native swine.

These were delivered to farmer beneficiaries under the sericulture and other agri-related livelihood projects implemented in Bakun and Kapangan, Benguet; and, Tinglayan, Kalinga.

The office is also set to procure an additional 160 heads of native swine to be distributed to beneficiaries in the six provinces of the Cordillera as part of DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala’s commitments during his visit to the region.