The Ilocos Norte provincial government distributed PHP8.1 million in livelihood assistance to 330 farmers from various “zanjera” (communal irrigation) organizations at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center here on Wednesday.

The assistance included 70 heads of cattle, 143 goats, 187 piglets, and 233 hog starter feeds.

During the distribution, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, said the amount was sourced out from the provincial government’s share of Republic Act 7171 or the so-called tobacco excise tax.

“This is truly meant for you, our farmers, who are the backbone of our economy,” the governor said as she enjoined the beneficiaries to continue being patient following the continuing energy crisis that has greatly affected local livelihoods, transportation, and delivery of basic goods and services.

The ongoing distribution of livelihood assistance is part of the Provincial Veterinary Office’s Animal Dispersal Program, supporting the provincial government’s recovery efforts for livestock raisers.

“A big thank you to the provincial government for this livelihood assistance,” said Larry Baniaga, one of the cattle beneficiaries from Barangay Saoit, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, in an interview on Wednesday.

He said his association made a request for cattle livelihood assistance recently, and he was one of those whose name was luckily handpicked through a raffle draw among members of the organization.

Under the program, the offspring of these cattle will be passed on to other beneficiaries, creating a sustainable cycle of livestock dispersal across the province.

A similar guideline applies to goat and piglet dispersals.

Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) chief Dr. Loida Valenzuela said they are continuing the animal dispersal program to boost food security and sustainable livelihood.

To ensure a year-round supply of piglets to sustain the swine dispersal project in the province, each beneficiary shall return at least two piglets or weanlings to the provincial government after two years.

In three to four months, the beneficiaries are guaranteed cash from the sale of their pigs because demand for “longganisa” (sausage) and “bagnet” (crispy pork) is very high.

Valenzuela said the animal dispersal will be monitored through vaccination and vitamin administration, and the beneficiaries shall provide animal housing, feedstock, and labor as a counterpart. (PNA)