Bacolod City:The Negros Occidental provincial government has distributed PHP8.25 million worth of breeder animals and equipment support to 85 institutional and individual recipients. This initiative aims to enhance local animal production and provide additional livelihood opportunities.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 39 associations, two farm schools, one local government unit, and 46 individuals received various animal commodities during the ceremonial turnover led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol grounds on Wednesday.

The program includes the distribution of animals produced at the provincial government-owned farms, such as the Negros First Ranch and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm. This initiative is funded under the province's 20 percent 2026 Development Fund. The government distributed 20 ready-to-breed carabaos worth PHP2 million, 1,950 heads of duck and free-range chicken valued at PHP884,000, and 60 heads of swine worth PHP300,000.

Additionally, the distribution included a dump truck for hauling operations valued at PHP2.695 million, duck egg incubators worth PHP1.713 million, cattle frozen semen costing PHP587,366, and duck feeds totaling PHP80,000. These efforts are part of the province's plan to revitalize and repopulate the swine industry and increase local stocks through breeding and propagation programs.