TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to improve the livelihoods of farmers and enhance the livestock industry in Tacloban City, the local government has launched a livestock dispersal program that has already benefitted 102 farmers from five different farmer organizations in the northern barangays of the city.
The City Veterinary Office (CVO) Head, Dr. Eunice Alcantara, revealed that the farmer-beneficiaries hail from Barangays Cabalawan, Bagacay, New Kawayan, San Roque, and Palanog.
As part of the program, two units of egg-laying machines have been distributed to farmer organizations from these locations, while the Brgy. Bagacay Farmers' Association has received 120 ducks to start a salted egg and balut-making enterprise.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)'s farmers' association has also been given two native pigs and 10 native chickens to help with their farming activities. Meanwhile, the San Roque Peace and Development Workers Associations of Brgy. San Roque is set to benefit from the program this month, with the planned dispersal of 10 native chickens and 3 native pigs.
The city government has also secured 1.5 million pesos from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to purchase farm equipment and inputs for existing farmer recipients.
In addition, a grant of 10 million pesos from the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program of the Department of Agriculture is also forthcoming. The grant will target Tagpuro farmers who are engaged in swine raising.
Moreover, a livestock distribution project worth Php1.5 million under the Philippine Rural Development Project has benefitted 39 former rebels and members of the Tagpuro and New Kawayan Farmers Associations. The project has distributed gilts and boars to these individuals to provide livelihood assistance.
With these initiatives, the city government is optimistic that it will be able to support local farmers and enhance the agricultural sector in the area. —iTacloban (Source: CIO)