TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI) is collaborating with the Baclay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Baclay MPC) in the implementation of the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB) project at barangay Sugod in this town.
The program aims to address the effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) and revitalize the local swine industry.
Baclay MPC General Manager Richard Hidalgo sees SWAIB as a valuable opportunity for both the cooperative and local farmers.
“We are very thankful and challenged to be the chosen beneficiary for SWAIB. This will greatly help the cooperative, especially our members. We hope for a continuous partnership with ATI, and we hope to become a training ground for our farmers,” Hidalgo stated.
Dr. Gerry R. Pagarigan, OIC-director of ATI, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact.
“Hopefully, this project will help us mitigate the effect of the African Swine Fever, especially in repopulating the swine industry in our region,” said Pagarigan.
Pagarigan acknowledged Baclay MPC as a vital partner in extending agricultural services to Tukuran. He also commended the cooperative for its active role in supporting the initiative.
“Baclay MPC has been a great partner to ATI, so we are assured that with their cooperation, this project will greatly contribute to the lives of our hog raisers in Tukuran,” he added.
In a positive development, it was reported that since last year, there has been no confirmed ASF case in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
SWAIB is an Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) project that aims to improve the production of quality meat products and improve breeds in the region.
The collaboration between ATI and Baclay MPC not only addresses the challenges posed by ASF but also contributes to the overall improvement of swine farming practices in Tukuran, which fosters a positive outlook for the local hog raisers and the agricultural community. (RVC/EDT/HTB/PIA-9 Zamboanga del Sur, with reports and photos from ATI-RTC9)
