With the project already completed, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-RTC-CAR) with its partners from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Luna, Apayao inaugurated the first 30 sow-level Swine Multiplier and Technodemo Farm Project in CAR on July 18, 2024 at Turod, Luna, Apayao.
The facility is a collaborative project of the Department of Agriculture’s National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) through the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-RTC-CAR) with a P10 million fund and the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Luna, Apayao imparted a P4 million fund counterpart and provided the land area for the said project.
The project package module is composed of breeder stocks, farm supplies, farm facilities, and equipment. For breeders stocks, it would raise 38 gilts or 30 sow-level and boars breeders and would produce quality stocks to build herd size and supply animals for livelihood or post-training kits. For the farm supplies, the project would allocate funds for feeds, supplements, drugs, and biologics for the start of its operations. Subsequent needs would be provided by MLGU Luna for its sustainability. The farm facilities include housing, a biosecurity area, waste management, and an artificial insemination center. The equipment includes a weighing scale with a 500kg capacity, a pregnancy tester, brooding equipment, and AI equipment packaged.
For the project’s sustainability, MLGU Luna would allocate yearly funds for its continuous operation, assign adequate competent personnel to manage and operate the project and provide farm supplies and facilities that are beyond DA funding.
The facility was blessed by Pastor Jackson Fuertes, and the ribbon cutting was headed by the Municipal Mayor of Luna, Apayao Hon. Josephine M. Bangsil, Maximino R. Aromin Jr., the Assistant Center Director of ATI-RTC-CAR, and Raponcel D. Saguilot, the Director of Apayao Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer (APCO).
Architect Sonny Mina of First Reliable Builders, the contractor for the project, turned over the symbolic key to Mr. Maximino R. Aromin Jr., and then he also turned over the key to Hon. Josephine M. Bangsil.
Mayor Bangsil thanked the Department of Agriculture Family, the contractor, the provincial veterinary office, the municipal agriculture office, and everyone who made the project a reality.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were the Vice Mayor of Luna, Apayao Hon. Monolito Bullaoit, Engr. Julius G. Casil Municipal Agriculturist, staff from the Local Government Unit of Luna, Apayao, Dr. Ralph Verzon and staff from ATI-RTC-CAR Jordan B. Pilay, the Head of Admin and Finance Unit; Aiza Abdul, Accountant; Maribeth M. Laduan, Livestock Coordinator; Windel Baaten, Project Engineer Program; and Jomar Guerzon support staff completed the delegation who graced the activity.
The swine multiplier and technodemo farm project is part of the Department of Agriculture’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program. Specifically, the project is directed towards the following aspects: Production and promotion of good swine genetics; Utilization of the project for trainings, extension, and learning of farmers, students, and interested individuals; Increasing of local hog inventory and pork supply; Support local raisers by making available, breeders and breeding materials; Support DA and other government agencies’ swine-based livelihood programs by producing adequate and quality stocks to supply these program’s needs; and Providing additional source of food and income to the beneficiary partner farmers groups.//with reports from Ms. Maribeth M. Ladu-an, Livestock Focal and Jomar Guerzon, Technical Support Staff
