Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the 30-Sow Level Multiplier and Techno Demo Farm at Brgy. Talongadian, Santa Barbara is crucial in the recovery efforts of the provincial government from the effects of the African Swine Fever.
Defensor graced the inauguration of the project on August 4, 2023. It was also attended by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada; Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, program director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Livestock Program; Mayor Dennis Superficial; and Larry Nacionales, president of the CPU-ARUGA; among others.
The governor thanked the DA Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) for funding the P10 million facility under its Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program.
Defensor said the facility is crucial in the province’s repopulation program and recovery measures.
The provincial government is now working on a sentinel program at the barangay level for swine repopulation.
It is also strengthening its biosecurity measures through the strict implementation of Tapak, Hugas kag Malimpyo nga Pagpakaon or Tahum Campaign.
Tahum Campaign promotes heightened biosecurity measures such as stepping on sanitizing footbath mats before entering the household and farms; frequent handwashing and regular disinfection of farms; and safe feeding using clean water and hog feeds from reputable and ASF-free sources.
A total of 127 barangays in the province of Iloilo were affected by ASF. Its swine population dropped by 64.5 percent or a reduction of 178,221 heads.
(Capitol News)
