Cagayan co-op gets funds for bio-hogs facility

By Leander C. Domingo

GONZAGA, Cagayan -- A cooperative in this town received a P5.5 million grant for its biosecure facility under the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) expanded swine repopulation project.
    DA Region 2 Executive Director Narciso Edillo said the swine clustering project awarded to Mount Cagua Agrarian Cooperative (MCAC) in Barangay Santa Clara here is a component under Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (Inspire).
    Edillo said the DA's swine repopulation program aims to institute biosecurity and disease control measures through a strong collaboration between and among the DA, its relevant agencies, concerned local government units (LGUs), and stakeholders.
    He also hopes that the Inspire program project will also provide funds for the construction of modern facilities with climate-controlled systems and biosecurity, as well as for the provision and purchase of feeds and piglets.
    Dr. Butch Busania, DA Region 2 technical director for Operation and Extension, said there is a need for strong and sustained support of backyard and commercial raisers, LGUs, and the private sector to revive the industry.
    "First, by effectively controlling the ASF (African swine fever) and preventing its spread via strict biosecurity measures, and secondly, by embarking on a massive swine repopulation program," he said.
    MCAC president Melchor Bulliig said the cooperative which has been into free-range chicken farming is ready for large-scale production of hogs, which will also be a source of additional income to cope with the rising prices of fertilizers and the cost of production in rice farming.
    "We are glad that the Department of Agriculture has come up with this strategic plan to revive the swine industry and to help us farmers. Rest assured we will work alongside the agency," Bulliig said.