A farmer’s association in Davao Occidental has received PHP5.5 million worth of assistance from the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) to boost their swine production initiatives.

In a statement Tuesday, DA-11 identified the Demoloc United Farmer’s Association (DUFA) from Malita town, Davao Occidental, as the first beneficiary to receive a check for the implementation of community-based swine production.

The project is being carried out under the DA’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program.

Under the project, PHP4,475,000 is allocated for the biosecure housing facility for swine, PHP525,000 for the 75 swine heads, and PHP500,000 for feeds and biologics.

DUFA received the DA assistance on Sept. 9.

INSPIRE program is a joint effort of the government together with different stakeholders and institutions to help livestock growers recover from the adverse effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Abel James Monteagudo, DA-11 director, said INSPIRE is just one of the programs of the agency that seeks to help hog raisers affected by the ASF onslaught.

“I hope that Davao Occidental will continue rising from ASF through this program. For the beneficiaries, I remind you to always follow the protocol to avoid the recurrence of ASF,” Monteagudo said.

While there is no vaccine for ASF, Monteagudo urged the DUFA members to be careful and vigilant to avoid occurrences of the disease in their hog farms.

“Cooperation and unity are the keys to the success of this program, and I urge you to continue your support since this will benefit you and your livelihood,” he added.

Alberto Baliota II, the DUFA president, thanked DA-11 for the INSPIRE program and the Davao Occidental provincial government for its support.

Baliota vowed to make the program a success to serve as an example to other provinces. (PNA)