SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) – MIMAROPA Livestock Program, in partnership with Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), awarded 10 piglets to Kapit-Bisig Murtha Farmers Association (KBMFA) recently to provide livelihood through swine raising.
The awarded piglets are the first batch to be dispersed from DA Livestock Program’s Livelihood Project through Swine Production, a collaborative project with OMSC worth Php 3M, which aims to provide swine to different selected FAs and cooperatives in Occidental Mindoro.
Ms. Elaine M. Paz, OMSC Project Coordinator, explained that the project fund was downloaded to the institution which covers 16 heads of swine (15 gilts and one boar), biologics, feeds, equipment and facility such as nursery pen for the swine dispersal. In turn, the school will be in-charge for the rearing of the livestock. When the swine gives birth, 70% of the piglets will be awarded to selected beneficiaries situated in San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal, and Calintaan (SAMARICA) area.
To ensure the readiness of the beneficiaries in swine raising, a training on hog production dispersal was also included during the turnover. Led by Benedicto R. Batiles Jr., OMSC Associate Professor IV, the training covered proper ways of taking care of the livestock, swine feeding management, and utilization of swine manure in organic farming.
According to Roxanne Yadao, DA MIMAROPA Livestock Staff, KBMFA will employ a roll-over scheme, where the awarded piglets will be raised by selected members of the FA. When the animal gives birth, a portion of the piglets will be dispersed to their members who are yet to receive one.
Dr. Maria Teresa Altayo DA MIMAROPA Regional Livestock Coordinator, Mr. Arman Melendrez, DA Livestock Provincial Coordinator, Ms. Roxanne Yadao, DA MIMAROPA Livestock Staff, and Mr. Glimar Gaspar, Former OMSC Campus Director were present during the turnover. (DSG)
