SARANGANI, July 12, 2022 – Fourteen (14) farmers’ associations (FAs) in Sarangani are now poised to begin backyard pig farming after receiving 154 native pigs (140 gilts, 14 boar) from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program on July 5 and 6, 2022.
The livestock component is part of the Integrated Swine with Vegetable Production project, which aims to increase hog production and supplement revenue resources to improve farmer living conditions in the seven towns of the province.
Ensuring healthy stocks, the animals received vaccination against Classical Swine Fever (CSF), often known as hog cholera, deworming, vitamins, and secured veterinary health certificates before the delivery.
Recent monitoring reveals no new cases of the African Swine Fever (ASF) found in the province after cases have been previously reported in Sarangani. With the local DA and government’s efforts, these cases have been contained until the province reached the “green zone” status tagged for ASF-free areas.
Integrated Swine with Vegetable Production Project in Sarangani
From 507 total FA members, 140 farmers were picked as first-in-line recipients of stocks for having pig farming experience and an enclosed area for the animals as a counterpart of the project. These farmers predominantly cultivate rice and maize from Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, and Malungon. They typically earn Php 3,000–4,000 every cropping, including their wage from other agricultural services.Table 1. Livestock received by 14 Sarangani FAs
| Farmers’ Associations | Location | Livestock Received | Project Cost (Php) |
| Labiska FA (108 members) |
J.P laurel, Malungon | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Malalag-Cogon Agrarian Reform FA (35 members) |
Malalag-Cogon, Malungon | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Pag-asa Indigenous People’s Health Organization (32 Members) |
Pag-asa, Alabel | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Alabel Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association (25 members) |
Poblacion, Alabel | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Molo Women’s Association (48 members) |
Libi, Malapatan | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Patag Swine Raiser’s Association (27 members) |
Patag, Malapatan | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Purok Alna FA (25 members) |
Small Margus, Glan | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Kimangayao Burias Farmers Tribal Association (25 members) |
Burias, Glan | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Gasi FA (25 members) |
Nomoh, Maasim | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Margula FA (25 members) |
Kablacan, Maasim | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Economic Based Agricultural Association for Sustainable Development (34 members) |
Mindupok, Maitum | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Mindupok FA (36 members) |
Mindupok, Maitum | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Talima Fisherfolk’s Association (25 members) |
Salakit, Kiamba | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Datal Nuhag FA (37 members) |
Kapate, Kiamba | 10 gilts 1 boar |
65,890.00 |
| Total | 922,460.00 |
Lampong FA president Lifa Wolo shared his gratitude to the program. He said, “Ang SAAD maoy nakatabang ug dako sa amuang pagpanguma ug sa panginabuhian. Busa nagpaabot mi sa amuang dakong pagpasalamat sa tanang tao nga nagpangulo aning programa.”
(SAAD is a big help to our farming activities and livelihood. That is why, we are extending our sincerest appreciation to the implementers of this program).
The FAs will raise the animals for reproduction and implement a roll-over scheme, handing over swine offspring from the original stocks from SAAD to the next-in-line beneficiaries until all the members can own pigs and operate their own swine project. They will eventually sell piglets, fattened hogs, and pork meat within the neighboring barangays and municipalities. After the sows’ farrowing season (usually 4-6 cycles), the group will replace them by choosing among its piglets to sustain the project.
The activity was facilitated by the Sarangani Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Ms. Joy Misterio and the SAAD provincial staff, coordinated with the representatives of the 7 participating local government units (LGUs). ###
Writers:
Jennifer A. Valcobero, DA-SAAD NPMO Public Relations and Comms Officer
Aisa L. Tina, DA-SAAD 12 Information Officer
Sources of Data:
DA-SAAD 12
DA-SAAD NPMO Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
