INSPIRE program to rebound swine sector in WV

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas National Livestock Program (NLP) led the INSPIRE Program Quarterly Assessment and Planning Workshop, purposely to rebound the swine industry in the region.

Fourteen (14) Farmer Associations and Cooperatives (FCAs) and their Local Government Units (LGU) representatives who are recipients of the INSPIRE program participated in the two-day workshop to enhance procurement processes, exchange insights on project implementation directives, and ensure compliance with documentation and permits.

Glenn Mariano, livestock program focal person, said that these initiatives are critical given that WV is affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF). “We need to discuss thoroughly the procurement processes per RA 9184, also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, to ensure the implementation of the INSPIRE program alongside our ASF situation”.

Atty. Roln Asuncion, DA-WV Head of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), provided valuable insights into the legal aspects of the procurement processes, ensuring that the FCAs understand and adhere to the regulatory framework. Fernie Rose Dato-on, Agriculturist II of the DA-WV NLP, explained the competitive bidding process and operational timelines, ensuring that participants left the workshop with a clear understanding of these critical aspects, thereby helping them identify the individuals responsible for managing the process flows and FCA protocols adhering to the timelines.

Mr. Dominador Marquez, Chief of the DA-WV Field Operations Division, joined the group for a brainstorming session, fostering a deeper understanding of how the INSPIRE Program has been designed and how it will contribute to the growth of the hog industry in the region.

Other areas of interest tackled were biosecurity audits, intensive farm management, and artificial insemination. These additional training needs identified by the participants are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the hog industry in Western Visayas.

The INSPIRE Program is a vital component of the Department of Agriculture’s recovery and repopulation plan for the swine industry in response to the ASF challenge. ASF remains a significant concern in Western Visayas, affecting six provinces: Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, and Antique. The outbreak’s severity is evident from active ASF cases in 72 cities and municipalities within the affected provinces.###

By Maria Corazon M. Buala/DA-RAFIS 6