Long-standing logistical problems and diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) have left Calabarzon’s swine industry vulnerable.
Particularly affected are small hog farmers, where disease or supply glut can wipe out months, if not years, of hard work rearing their stock.
Recently the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-RTC IV-A), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU)-Siniloan, and the local government unit of Siniloan launched a program that aims to standardize the hog population while reviving livelihoods through a more stable pork production model.
As part of these initiatives, a 40-head innovative pig pen was inaugurated inside the LSPU-Siniloan Campus last January 14.
The project is designed to tackle food security by contributing to the supply of safe, nutritious pork in the Calabarzon region.
With a target to market 1,692 heads of finisher over three years (averaging 564 heads annually), the program seeks to provide a sustainable source of additional food and income for local farmer members.
The project also serves as a hub for learning, providing a venue for extension services, training, and practical learning for farmers, students, and interested individuals.
Under the project, the ATI-RTC IV-A facilitates the design, provides capability-building interventions, and manages funding and consumables amounting to P1.5 million; LSPU-Siniloan serves as the implementer, providing land, manpower, and daily operations for three years; and LGU-Siniloan ensures local technical support, offering veterinary health services such as deworming and drug administration to maintain animal health.
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