Virginia Farms receives first shipment of elite PIC breeders

The company says it invests in world‑class genetics to deliver healthier animals, consistent pork quality, and a more resilient industry for Filipino consumers.

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Virginia Farms receives first shipment of elite PIC breeders

PIC breeders arrived at Virginia Farms’ newest breeder facility in Aloguinsan, Cebu. Photo credit: Virginia Farms Inc

Commercialization Reproduction & Genetics Isa Tan

Virginia Farms Inc has welcomed the first shipment of elite breeder pigs from PIC’s South Dakota unit to its new facility in Aloguinsan, Cebu. The animals arrived in Cebu City by charter plane on July 31. It is the first of three shipments expected by November this year.

The breeders arrived on a chartered plane on July 31, 2026. Photo credit: Virginia Farms Inc

Rolando Tambago, President of Virginia Farms, said the company is not simply aiming for higher output. “This is more than a shipment—it is the seed of a legacy,” he said.

Virginia Farms targets 4.2 tons of pork in the medium term and 6 tons of premium pork per sow annually. Two more shipments coming up, building the foundation for pork abundance and price stability in Cebu and beyond.

Breeders drive shift to technology

Mr Tambago explained that the new breeders will accelerate a shift from traditional farming to a data‑driven system. “These breeders are the catalyst for a complete technological shift—integrating automated feeding, precision nutrition, and climate‑smart housing,” he said.

Virginia Farms will breed every pig for peak performance, boosting productivity and ensuring consistency across operations. He sees the introduction of these genetics as a turning point for the Philippine pork industry.

“I see a Philippines that no longer looks outward for its sustenance but stands tall as a self‑sufficient pork powerhouse,” he said.

He added that the genetics are “the bridge to industry recovery and transforming our industry from surviving challenges to leading the innovation and productivity.”

Partnership with PIC

Virginia Farms chose PIC’s South Dakota nucleus for its reputation in genetic science and biosecurity.

Virginia Farms targets 4.2 tons of pork in the medium term and 6 tons of premium pork per sow annually. Photo credit: Virginia Farms Inc

“We trust our genetic partner so we believe they chose the best on the planet because our ambitions demand nothing less,” Mr Tambago said.

He described the collaboration as essential to meeting the company’s long‑term goals of sustainability and competitiveness.

Safeguards in place

The company designed the new breeder farm, inaugurated last June 12, with strict biosecurity protocols.

“We have built a fortress of biosecurity,” Mr Tambago said. “Our multi‑layered defense systems, strict access protocols, and the strategic isolation of our Aloguinsan facility ensure that disease has no entry.”

Combined with PIC’s elite health genetics, Virginia Farms expects the breeders to thrive in an environment designed to minimize risk and maximize productivity.

Raising standards for future generations

Virginia Farms treats the breeders’ arrival as a long‑term investment in innovation and sustainability. Additionally, the company highlights benefits for Filipino families.

“With every new litter, we are not just raising pigs—we are raising the bar for sustainable, competitive agriculture in this part of the world,” he said.

Better genetics mean healthier animals, improved productivity, responsible farming, and consistent high‑quality pork for consumers. For Virginia Farms, the breeders’ arrival signals commitment to continuous improvement. It also marks a promise to raise Philippine pork standards.