LAL-LO, Cagayan – In a bid to boost the region’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture Region 2 has officially turned over a P5.5 million swine facility to the San Mariano Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Lallo, Cagayan.
This new infrastructure aims to support the cooperative’s livestock operations and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
National Livestock Program Deputy Director Nover Lee Calub highlighted the significance of the swine facility as a crucial element of the DA’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion project.
He said the initiative is designed to help bolster the region’s swine industry, particularly in the wake of the African swine fever outbreak that has severely impacted the province.
Calub emphasized that the project is not just about infrastructure development but also about improving the future of families and entire communities.
“This is not just about a facility; it’s about the future of your families and the future of your community,” he stated, underscoring the broader community development goals of the initiative.
Vice Mayor Maria Olivia Pascual expressed her gratitude for the timely project, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by the ASF crisis.
“This project is incredibly timely, and we are deeply thankful for the support, which will go a long way in mitigating the effects of ASF in our region,” she said.
Ricky Cabañero, chairperson of SMARC, also acknowledged the collective effort behind the project’s success.
“This project is not mine alone; it is the result of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the INSPIRE initiative a reality,” Cabañero said.
“We are all part of a larger vision that seeks to redefine agriculture—not just as a means of survival, but as a pathway to create a better, more sustainable future for all,” he added.
Since its founding on May 10, 2021, SMARC has been committed to improving the livelihoods of its members through sustainable agricultural practices.
Cabañero said the newly inaugurated swine facility is expected to significantly enhance the cooperative’s production capacity, contributing to the region’s food security and economic growth.
With the support of DA’s INSPIRE project, the beneficiaries believe the cooperative is poised to make a meaningful impact on both local agricultural practices and national food sustainability efforts. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from Manases Lacambra)
