Bangued: The PHP3.1 million multiplier farm at University of Abra (UA), the former Abra State Institute for Science and Technology (ASIST), is a vital investment to ensure food security and encourage youth participation in agriculture. The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) said Friday the future of Philippine agriculture is in the hands of the youth.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA-CAR Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Aida Pagtan, emphasized the importance of involving the younger generation in agriculture. "If you want a food secure nation, we must cultivate not only crops and livestock but also the passion, knowledge and commitment of the next generation. We are investing in that venture as we turn over this project," she stated during the turnover of the multiplier farm to UA.
The partnership with UA is expected to open opportunities for innovation and ensure a productive and sustainable livestock industry in Cordillera. The multiplier farm is set to produce native pigs, comprising one male and 19 females, six of which are already eight months pregnant. The facility includes necessary supplies, machinery, and equipment like a forage chopper, weighing scale, water tank, platform trolley, and power sprayer, along with animal housing to produce meat and supply swine to the community.
Dr. Jubert Gannapao, associate professor of Agriculture and the director of the Income Generating division of ASIST/UA, highlighted the farm's dual role as a revenue-generating activity and a means to produce clean animals for the community. The farm will also serve as a laboratory for the university's Agriculture students, benefitting about 200 students enrolled in majors such as Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, and Crop Science.
In the province of Abra, native pigs are preferred for lechon (roasted pig) production and various cultural activities of the indigenous peoples group Tinguians. Provincial veterinarian Dr. Paul Joseph Abaya underscored the importance of collaboration between sectors, particularly the national government and the academic community, in ensuring food security.
Jayvee Canor, DA-CAR livestock program coordinator, announced there are 13 LEED (Livestock Economic Enterprise Development) projects allocated for Abra, totaling PHP42.7 million. These projects include cattle production, chicken raising, goat raising, swine production, and an apiary project.
Canor noted that LEED projects have expanded beyond farmers' cooperatives and local government units to include state universities due to their role in strengthening livestock production through livelihood and research activities. The DA also supports other initiatives like INSPIRE (Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion), providing beneficiaries with funds to enhance animal production and generate revenue.
Both LEED and INSPIRE projects are offered as grants, with beneficiaries expected to use the initial funding as revolving capital for further development.
