The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV – CALABARZON, through the Regional Livestock Program, distributed alternative livelihood assistance for African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected backyard hog raisers in Catanauan, Mulanay, and San Narciso, Quezon on May 19, 2020.
A total of 348 heads of goat were turned over, following the initial distribution of cattle heads among the said areas last April 22, 2020, in coordination with the provincial veterinary office and respective municipal agriculture offices.
Farmers from Catanauan, Mulanay, and San Narciso received 57, 239, and 52 heads of goat, respectively.
Regional Director Arnel de Mesa said that the DA CALABARZON is committed to support the affected livestock farmers through the distribution of cattle, goat, free-range chicken, and broiler as viable livelihood alternatives for hog raising, while the vaccine for the fatal hog disease is yet to be developed. Feeds, housing, cages, and veterinary drugs and biologics are to be provided as well in order to sustain their production and income.
Aside from the distribution of livestock inputs, urban gardening is also listed among the interventions for the affected hog raisers. Interested farmers may avail the urban gardening package composing of vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer, garden tools, and relevant info-materials.
“In conjuncture with the rehabilitation program for ASF-affected farmers, the regional office remains in constant pursuit of implementing precautionary measures and interventions to prevent the spread of ASF in the region,” Director de Mesa said. • (SDAL, DA-RAFIS)
[Photos Courtesy of MA Elvie Lingahan, MA Gracielle Rivera, and MA Liway Ramos Pizarra]
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