Abra livestock farmers receive P23M aid for ASF recovery

Bangued, Abra - Four farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Bangued, Abra benefit from P23 million worth of agri-support from the Department of Agriculture - Cordillera.  

The initiative aims to boost the livestock livelihood of the beneficiaries and help them recover from the impact of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Cordillera.

In 2019 and in recent years, ASF outbreaks caused massive culling of pigs and loss of income among hog raisers. 

According to the agency’s report, the beneficiaries of the 23 million-peso aid included the Abra Vegetable Seed Growers Association (AVSECO), Lubong Farmers Association (LFA), Cosili West Bangued Abra Farmers Association Incorporated (CWBAFAI), and Macray Farmers Association (MFA).  

Of the P23 million, AVSECO was given P10 million, including a biosecure piggery, 300 piglets for fattening, feeds, medicines, and disinfectants.  

For the LFA and CWBAFAI, each received P5 million worth in projects, which included a convention-type animal house, 100 piglets, feeds, vitamins, and dewormers, while P3 million worth of Goat Multiplier Farm was given to the MFA. 

Said various types of aid were handed over to the recipients on July 4, 2o25.

The provision of assistance was made possible under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) programs of DA.

The programs aim to revitalize the country’s swine industry and improve the economic well-being of livestock farmers.

Bangued Mayor Pope P. Cardenas, in a statement, mentioned that he has plans to create a Municipal Cooperative Development Office that will help guide FCAs in town toward becoming strong and self-sustained cooperatives