Manila: The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has turned over a PHP3.1 million swine multiplier farm to the municipal government of La Trinidad, Benguet to help boost local hog production and support the region's African swine fever (ASF) recovery efforts. The project, which includes breeding pigs, housing, and farm supplies, is part of the Department of Agriculture's Livelihood Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) program. According to Philippines News Agency, the swine multiplier farm project aims to produce pigs locally and reduce the need to transport hogs that may carry diseases, as stated by DA-CAR Regional Director Jennilyn Dawayan. The initiative forms part of the agency's swine repopulation program launched after ASF outbreaks depleted local hog populations. Dawayan emphasized that producing breeding stock and market hogs locally would provide a reliable supply for raisers while minimizing the risk of introducing animal diseases through transported livestoc k. During the turnover ceremony, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Research Arlene Sagayo urged the local government to maximize the project and maintain strict biosecurity measures. "We hope La Trinidad will become a model of a thriving swine multiplier farm whose success can inspire other local government units across the region," she said. The DA has established similar swine multiplier farms for cooperatives, farmers' organizations, and state universities to strengthen local hog production for both breeding and meat. Under the LEED program, beneficiaries receive infrastructure, quality breeding stocks, equipment, and technical support to improve livestock productivity and farmers' livelihoods. Project recipients are required to observe strict biosecurity protocols and sustain production so the facilities remain viable beyond the three-year assistance period. La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan remarked that the project's success will depend on the cooperation of local government offices and stakeho lders. "This project is not the responsibility of one office alone. Through a whole-of-government approach and the cooperation of our stakeholders, we can ensure its success and create lasting benefits for our farmers," he said.