RESULT of the swine inventory last year showed that two major pork producing regions in the country suffered great loss due to disease outbreaks. For 2003-2007 the swine sub-sector in the Bicol region grew at an annual average of 4.24% but in 2007, the region obtained a negative growth rate of 2.37%.

        To increase pork production, the Department of Agriculture will implement piglet restocking program. The program will allocate P1,000 each swine raiser at a maximum of two piglets. The piglets will be sourced from DA-BAI accredited farms.

        To avail of this program, beneficiaries must be a backyard raiser, agri-business entrepreneur or a cooperative with housing facility; willing to give his counterpart, which include the remaining amount of the piglet cost, and shoulder the cost of feeds.

        A total of 2,158 heads of piglets will be distributed in the region to some 1,079 swine raisers prorated as follows: Albay with 190; Camarines Norte 130; Camarines Sur 330 ; Catanduanes 79; Sorsogon 90; and Masbate 260.

        Provincial briefings regarding its guidelines and implementation have been conducted in the provinces. The DA is now set to purchase the piglets.

        Meanwhile, DA Regional Executive Director, Jose V. Dayao explained the restocking program will produce an estimated 188.37 metric tons of pork for the Bicol region with an estimated value of Ps 209,300.

        He added that the additional piglets would help boost the current population of swine in the region. He also urged the local government units to support the program and immediately submit the list of beneficiaries to facilitate implementation of the project. He said that with this program the region would be able to achieve a positive growth in the livestock sector this year. m.r.ilan