KALINGA, August 5, 2021 – Ninety swine raisers from 9 farmers’ cooperatives and associations of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Kalinga received intensified educational campaign sessions on farm biosecurity measures to combat African Swine Fever (ASF).

With the shortage of pork supply in the province due to the spread of the ASF virus, Kalinga devised the SAAD Support Swine Repopulation Program to address shortage issues at the barangay level.

The beneficiaries were identified to partake in the swine repopulation program. Aside from the training, they will receive hog supplies worth Php 30,000 per beneficiary.

In his message, Balbalan Proper Barangay Councilor Elmo Anniban lauded the effort of the SAAD Program saying, “Hadin inbinsa-binsa da kadatako amin, laglagipon tako ta inyooy da na on man piyaon  tako. Kan nu manprogress taku unna un production si bolok, tulongan tako kuma nan kamyembroan tako.”

[May we also take note of the guidelines shared with us because this is also for our benefit. And if we succeed with our swine production, I hope that you also help your co-members (of the group)].

The localized farmers’ coaching sessions were conducted from July 7-22 at 6 different areas in Pasil and Balbalan, seeking to increase awareness and encourage beneficiaries to observe the biosecurity of farms and respond to the concerns of the communities.

DA – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Agriculturist Marjorie Casilla reiterated farm biosecurity as the simplest and best defense method against ASF.

Ms. Casilla introduced the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) program of the DA and enumerated the necessary measures in achieving a bio-secured swine production.

The fundamentals of biosecurity measures include a) avoiding going to swine areas with ASF cases; b) avoiding feeding your pigs with any leftover foods; c) always using PPEs such as boots and scrub suits when entering the production area; d) limiting the entry of individuals (such as buyers and other animals) and possible source of virus in the area; e) installing a footbath at the entrance of production area; and f) prohibiting the purchase of any pork products online.

“Let’s do this little by little until we fully implement the biosecurity and may this practice be done continuously, not only for the duration of the project,” Ms. Casilla advised.

Wilhelmina Bonggawen, a beneficiary from Balbalan, shared her gratitude for the conduct of the activity.

“Dakkel nga yaman mi unay nga immay dagiti naggapu region ken province nga apan tumulong kadakami tapnu agsuccess ti intervention (swine) nga inted da kadakami, maslalo kanyami nga sangapulo nga napili para ti swine repopulation,” said Ms. Bonggawen.

[We are very thankful to the regional and provincial staff for coming here to help for the success of the interventions given to us, especially with us 10 identified beneficiaries of swine repopulation.] ###

 

Writer: Sheena Phine B. Pisco-Dayagon, Information Officer – Kalinga