After the native chicken distribution last February 2022, the Malaybalay City Peace and Order Council through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) again provided a project to heighten their execution of the delivery of livelihood services to help people in conflict-affected communities.
Last April 6, 2022, at the Covered Court of Barangay Zamboanguita, the Hog Fattening Project worth Php 40,000.00 was turned over to 4 identified rural-based organizations (RBOs) namely: Sitio Nalumusan Silae Rural Improvement Club, Kulaman Rural Improvement Club, Busdi Rural Improvement Club, and Zamboanguita Rural Improvement Club. Each association received 1 piglet, 4.5 bags of feeds, medicines, and biologics.
The ceremonial distribution program was conducted along with the presence of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, City Councilor Christopher P. Soria, City Local Government Operation Officer Aldrich C. Alaan, Acting Assistant City Agriculturist Engr. Naomie H. Delos Reyes, City Agriculture and Fishery Council Chairperson Leonard O. Leyros, Dr. Aulyn Mae L. Salem of City Veterinary Office, Barangay Zamboanguita Chairperson Pio Masipequiña, representatives from 88IB, 4ID of the Philippine Army, and other officials from Barangays Busdi, Kulaman, and Silae.
CLGOO Alaan in his message pointed out the importance of Executive Order No. 70 or the “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach” prioritizing far communities affected by local armed conflicts. He added that members of associations should help one another to sustain and develop the project.
Whereas, Mayor Pabillaran expressed his encouragement to farmers to engage in agri-business and livelihood. He also reminded recipients to be mindful of the African Swine Fever (ASF), which is now posting a big threat to the swine industry. He hopes that it will not reach the city and cause massive damage.
Additionally, Councilor Soria shared his experiences in animal production and anticipates that the project will grow in the coming years.
A seminar was also facilitated by Dr. Aulyn Mae Salem who discussed Swine Management and Phile Rae Bonggo who gave instructions on how to use the medicines and biologics of the piglets.
In the later part of the program, Mr. Orlando John M. Paulican, Livestock Coordinator of the City Agriculture Office presented the Implementing Guidelines of the Project which states the roles of the agencies involved and the responsibilities of the beneficiaries
Backyard hog fattening is one of the income-generating projects that can contribute to the source of income of associations.
Moreover, organizations with existing livelihood projects are found to be more resilient and tend to develop strong-willed and supportive members. Therefore, it elevates participation and unity among the rural people.
Report By: Gecel Quinquiño-Ocon & Trisha Margaret T. Bustos,
NADA-CAgo