The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program CALABARZON is poised to revitalize the swine industry in local communities of Perez, Quezon, by resuming its Swine Project for FY 2025.
This livelihood intervention, designed to enhance productivity and support local farmers, will proceed with a strong emphasis on biosecurity measures and sustainable livestock management. A strategic meeting between Regional SAAD Lead Mr. John Carlo Narvacan and the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Perez, led by Honorable Mayor Charizze Marie E. Escalona, solidified their commitment to this crucial endeavor.
SAAD’s swine project proposes to benefit four key farmers’ associations: the Sangirin Farmers and Livestock Association (SAFALIA), Mainit Farmers Association (MAFA), Villa Manzano Norte Farmers Association (VILMANORFA), and Coconut Farmers Fisherfolk Hog Raisers Association Barangay Pambuhan (COFFISERA), representing a total of 118 farmer members in Perez.
Discussions during the meeting centered on ensuring the successful implementation of the swine and vegetable projects, with a particular focus on safeguarding the local industry from outbreaks.
Mayor Escalona highlighted the stringent biosecurity measures implemented in 2024 to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) and stabilize the local pork supply.
“Naghigpit po talaga kami noong nakaraang taon. Pati paglabas ng baboy ay pinagbawal po namin. Bukod sa iniingatan po natin huwag makapasok ang ASF sa bayan, nais po sana natin siguraduhin na may sapat na suplay din dito sa loob ng bayan,” said Mayor Escalona.
[We implemented strict biosecurity measures last year, including a temporary ban on the transport of pigs. Our priority was not only to prevent ASF from entering our town but also to ensure that we had a sufficient supply of pork within our locality.]
Recognizing the ongoing need for support, both SAAD CALABARZON and the Perez MLGU agreed to prioritize swine health and biosecurity, ensuring that preventive measures are rigorously enforced. The swine intervention, initially scheduled for distribution in 2024, was temporarily halted due to the ASF outbreak.
To mitigate the impact of this delay, SAAD provided the beneficiary farmers’ associations in Perez with vegetable seeds last year, followed by additional gardening tools in early 2025.
Mr. Girsky V. Anda, Operations, Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead, assured the MLGU that Area Coordinators (ACs) continue to maintain regular communication with farmers, providing updates and support for ongoing activities.
“Patuloy naman pong nakikipag-usap ang mga ACs sa mga FAs para malaman po nila na mayroon pa rin pong mga proyekto. Nagkataon lang po na nagkaroon nga po ng ASF outbreak, which is naiintindihan naman po nila. Mas sang-ayon naman po sila doon para din sa seguridad ng kanilang kabuhayan,” he said.
[Our ACs continue to engage with the farmers to inform them that projects remain on track. The ASF outbreak caused delays, but the farmers understood that these precautions were necessary to safeguard their livelihoods].
With ASF cases declining, SAAD CALABARZON is now preparing for the resumption of swine distribution to Perez beneficiaries, expected next month. Logistics and safe transport protocols are being meticulously reviewed to ensure the secure delivery of breeder stocks while upholding stringent biosecurity standards. ###
