INSPIRE Project launched for swine recovery in New Lucena, Iloilo

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas strengthens its initiative for the revitalization of the swine industry through its Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program at Guinobatan, New Lucena on June 11, 2025.

The INSPIRE Project or the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion, focuses on reviving and strengthening the local swine industry, which was heavily affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak since 2019. As one of the beneficiaries of this project, New Lucena is granted this opportunity to showcase their good management practices in preserving its swine production – serving as a provider to multiple businesses across Iloilo. The facility will handle the sanitation, breeding, feeding and conversion of biowaste in a tight knit manner, manned only by authorized members of the project.

The inauguration of the project was attended by 50 members, including partners from the Panay Organic Producers Association (POPA) of Guinobatan, Local Government Unit of New Lucena, barangay officials, and others, who officiated the bond between the agencies.

POPA Chairman Larry Nacionales extended his gratitude for the support the DA has offered, including crop management, seed distribution, and especially the livestock services and skills they have acquired.

Iloilo government representative and Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias also stated that Iloilo is an agricultural province in its own right. The Iloilo Provincial Government will continue to extend its support to see projects like these production hubs through for a stronger agribusiness approach.

DA Western Visayas’ Regional Executive Director, Dennis R. Arpia, stated that the experience of good governance also plays a crucial role in running an excellent production hub, and he views New Lucena as a good example.

Director Arpia states “DA’s mandate is not for everybody else; it’s for the farmers and the fishers, so we have to give and extend technical support, to provide interventions, to give framework, and to be a catalyst para sa economic growth.”

Director Arpia further explained that there are two key points the department is focusing on – firstly, is food security, in which the national government assures everyone that the country is abundant in food and resources; secondly, in order to support the latter, we should be focused on the primary producers of the food sector, which is our farmers. Even if the Gross Domestic Product rates skyrocket, if the farmers are in a poor state, there is no success, ending in unsustainable practices.

Director Arpia’s commitment to supporting local farmers was highlighted by the agency’s dedication to training them. This training begins with the basics and advances to incorporate new technology and innovative techniques.

“We are very proud that in Western Visayas, hindi lang po POPA ang naririyan, kundi marami pa tayong INSPIRE projects, and we are looking forward sa mas mabilis na recovery ng industry. Nag uumpisa palang ang trabaho namin, hindi natatapos ang trabaho sa pag turn over ng facility – hindi kami sinusukat sa aming namimili o na bibigay, kundi sa resulta ng aming ginagawa. Ating po pag tulong-tulungan to make sure na ang ating objectives ay magkakatotoo” Director Arpia added.

As a means to boost productivity and promote innovation for agribusiness and biosecurity, the project seeks to advance the swine industry and uplift the livelihood and income of hog farmers and herders.###By Vivien Nimue Quimpo