Mambajao, CAMIGUIN – As a crucial component of the government's comprehensive strategy to expedite recovery from the impacts of the CoVID-19 pandemic and the devastating African swine fever (ASF), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) remains steadfast in its commitment to execute the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program. Aligned with the repopulation efforts spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture's National Livestock Program (DA-NLP), INSPIRE serves as a beacon of hope, revitalizing the swine industry and fostering resilience within the agricultural sector.
In partnership with the Provincial Government of Camiguin under the leadership of Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, a groundbreaking event took place last February 8, 2024, marking the commencement of the construction of a Swine Multiplier and Techno-demo Farm located in Barangay Baylao, Mambajao, Camiguin. This program aims to establish a vital production hub and improve swine genetics, strengthening the local hog inventory and bolstering pork supply. Additionally, the project will extend support to local raisers by facilitating access to breeders and breeding materials, while also providing an additional source of sustenance and income for the beneficiary partner farmer groups.
Among the guests present at the groundbreaking ceremony were Maria Lydia Echavez, the Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center X, along with Camiguin Governor XJ Romualdo, Provincial Board Member Dr. Louis Bollozos, and Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Xavier Romualdo. Also in attendance were Provincial Veterinarian Lourgin Gamo, Provincial Agriculturist Aida Chan, the Municipal Agriculturists from all five municipalities of Camiguin, as well as Department Heads from various Provincial Offices, among others.
In her message, ATI X Center Director Echavez highlighted that the establishment is not solely a physical structure, but also the embodiment of the aspirations of hog growers, fulfilling their dreams for supplementary livelihoods and socio-economic development.
On his part, Governor Romualdo sees the assistance to the construction of the multiplier farm as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to replenish and reinvigorate the livestock industry in the province. “I am very thankful to ATI for giving us this very rare opportunity to host a multiplier farm in the province. We assure you that the beneficiaries of these livestock will be chosen carefully and the most qualified beneficiaries will be identified. I have instructed Dr. Gamo (provincial veterinarian) to create the guidelines for the dispersal of livestock. We hope that by April, this structure will be finished and by November this year, we can start the dispersal of the swine,” he emphasized.
The Swine Multiplier and Techno Demo Farm Project is a 30-Sow Level grant to qualified LGUs, SUCs or organizations, among others. The package includes breeder stocks, farm supplies, farm facilities, and equipment. On the other hand, the grant beneficiaries should be willing to do the following:
- Provide land area for the project;
- Allocate yearly funds for its continuous operation;
- Assign adequate competent personnel to manage and operate the project (farm manager & animal keepers); and,
- Provide farm supplies and facilities that is beyond DA funding.
To sustain the project, the beneficiaries will comply with the repayment scheme embedded in the program in kind, within 2-years starting on the investment year. A minimum of 30% of stocks produced will be provided for free to the identified community, institutions, and farmers’ cooperatives or associations for the first 3 years or until the DA investment cost is fully repaid in value. (all photos provided by: Jeric L. Cabatac, Training Specialist-II)
