The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) in the Philippines turned over a USD-50,000 swine multiplier farm project to the University of Abra (UA), strengthening the state university’s efforts in livestock production, research, and agricultural education.
The Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Project aims to enhance the contribution of the livestock sector to food security and rural development through sustainable and enterprise-based animal production systems.
It includes a complete package of interventions consisting of animal stocks, production supplies, farm equipment, and housing facilities necessary for the establishment of a swine multiplier farm.
Turned over to the UA were 20 heads of swine valued at USD 6,500 a package of animal and zoological supplies worth USD 19,500, machinery and equipment amounting to USD 8,100, and the housing facility worth USD 16,200.
Jayvee Canor, DA-CAR Livestock Program Coordinator, underscored the long-term impact of the project on local livestock development.
“This project is a multiplier farm which will soon produce offspring which will be distributed to our local farmers and a production farm which focuses on the production of meat and other livestock supply,” he said.
Mr Canor explained that beyond serving as a research and learning facility, the project is designed to generate livestock stocks that can eventually be dispersed to farmers, helping expand livestock production and improve livelihood opportunities in local communities.
UA officials welcomed the project, citing its potential to strengthen the institution’s research, instruction, and extension functions while providing practical learning opportunities for students.
“The UA administration, with our President Dr Gregorio T Turqueza Jr, expresses its full support and commitment to this project which will benefit our local communities soon. We express our sincerest thanks to the Department of Agriculture for funding this project,” said UA Research and Development Head Pablo Bose.
Dr Bose added that the project will serve as a platform for research, extension, and technology demonstration while promoting sustainable livestock production practices that can be adopted by farmers and livestock raisers across the province.