In a major push for agricultural sustainability and grassroots development, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental turned over 1,546 heads of swine, sheep, and poultry worth P525,000 on Thursday, May 28.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution, which was strategically designed to hit a triple target by boosting rural livelihoods, equipping local farm schools, and reinforcing local government unit sustainability initiatives.
The massive dispersal is part of the province’s aggressive Swine Industry Recovery Initiatives, Animal Genetic Improvement, and Livelihood Program, which is spearheaded by the Provincial Veterinary Office under the direction of provincial veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana.
To ensure quality breeding, all of the distributed farm animals were sourced directly from the province’s two major agricultural hubs, namely the Negros First Ranch in Murcia and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm in La Carlota City.
The selected recipients include 19 grassroots farmers’ associations, three localized farm schools, various municipal local government units, and active units of the Philippine Army involved in community food security.
The distribution of breeder weanlings and castrated male hogs for fattening forms a critical part of the province’s continuing swine industry recovery and repopulation program. This specific intervention aims to restore local hog production, strengthen food security, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to beneficiaries who were heavily affected by previous economic and biosecurity challenges in the livestock sector.
Meanwhile, the poultry dispersal program is tailor-made for civil society associations and eco-tourism groups practicing organic farming. This component seeks to help beneficiaries reproduce and expand their poultry resources, which will eventually serve as a sustainable source of food and additional income for their members while simultaneously promoting environmentally responsible farming practices.
In line with the province’s long-term agricultural vision, male small ruminants are being loaned to institutional stakeholders advocating for integrated farming systems. This particular initiative is intended to support livestock production as Negros Occidental actively prepares to host the World Organic Congress, where the participating farms and schools are currently being developed as potential official tour and visit sites for international delegates.
