The Itogon Agriculture Cooperative received a P5 million grant from the Integrated Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program of the Department of Agriculture.
A turnover ceremony for the facility was held on April 4, 2024, in Besil, Gumatdang, Itogon. The project aims to support Itogon’s swine repopulation efforts following the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in 2019. Through INSPIRE, breeders will have a more efficient method of semen production from boars, eliminating the need for swine transport.
Attending the turnover ceremony were representatives of DA Cordillera Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas, MD, Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Gumatdang Punong Barangay Edwin Golingab, Municipal Agriculturist Berto Bayeng, Municipal Livelihood Coordinator Engr. Michael Tauli, and Itogon Agriculture Cooperative President Leonardo Mayao.
Municipal Agriculturist Bayeng stated that the Itogon Agriculture Cooperative is the fourth recipient of the INSPIRE program in the region. He also mentioned that another beneficiary from Itogon is currently in the process of applying for the same facility in Tinongdan.
