Zambales: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 13 (Caraga Region) has stepped in to help a cooperative in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, recover from losses caused by African swine fever (ASF). Rafael Mondejar, chairperson of the La Gracia Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, said Tuesday the group struggled after ASF hit its hog project three years ago.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mondejar expressed that the cooperative suffered nearly PHP300,000 in losses when they started their piggery project due to ASF. The outbreak compelled the cooperative to cull six sow breeders and more than 20 piglets, severely impacting their operations. "Now we are starting again with the help of DA-13 by providing us with support, knowledge, and technology," Mondejar added.

On Monday, DA-13, led by Executive Director Ricardo M. O±ate Jr., turned over a PHP5 million bio-secure piggery facility to the cooperative, which has 150 members. The package included 100 hog finishers, a modern piggery building, and equipment, such as feeders, a water pump, and a water tank.

"With the support, the cooperative will help increase the supply of pork in the province and stabilize the price of live hogs," the DA-13 said in a statement. The agency further noted that the provision of modern equipment and technology is part of biosecurity measures to shield the project from ASF and other viruses.

The initiative was funded under the DA's Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program.