The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as the training and extension arm of the Department of Agriculture embarks to support the department’s initiatives to include the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE)- a program geared to calibrate repopulation and enhancement of the local swine industry and to recover the sector’s capacity to locally produce hogs and pork.
Thus, the ATI- Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) conducted Training on Pig Farming Enterprise for INSPIRE beneficiaries in Ilocos Norte on May 22-24, 2023 at ATI-RTC 1 Satellite Training Center, Batac City, Ilocos Norte.. The training aspired to develop the beneficiaries’ capabilities in sustainable pig production and its potentials as farm enterprise.
A total of 20 project beneficiaries completed the training covering modules on entrepreneurship, managing business, preparation of business plan and assessing financial status of pig farm. Dr. Loida M. Valenzuela, Provincial Veterinarian of Ilocos Norte served as the resource person of the training. One of the highlights of this activity is the development of business plan ensuring sustainability of their projects. Outputs were presented and provided with critical feedbacks by Dr. Valenzuela.
“I gained additional knowledge and learning on how to make business plan. Natuto rin ako kung paano mag- manage ng babuyan bilang isang negosyo. Sana po ay laging sumubaybay and DA at ATI upang lalo kaming mahasasa sa pamamahala ng swine project”, expressed by Mr. Cresensio I. Tomas, Banna, Ilocos Norte during the closing program/ culmination of the training.
In 2022, the INSPIRE beneficiaries were granted with a project worth 5.5 million pesos which composed of establishment of a biosecured facility, initial stocks of piglets, feeds and biologics.
To further sustain the project, the participants received additional starter kits which composed of biologics and veterinary kits after completing the training.
