The Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (AHRANO) has received ₱1.5-million funding boost from the provincial government for the implementation of its swine-fattening project.
On Friday, the project was launched in rites led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena held at the Capitol Social Hall here.
Lacson said hog raisers are among the sectors most affected by the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
However, even with the disturbance in the market, the province’s swine industry never gave up, he said.
“I hope that this project will help, especially in sustaining the supply of hogs in the province,” Lacson added.
The project fund will be made available to the local associations.
Decena recognized the important role of hog raisers in helping provide the meat supply requirements of Negrenses during the quarantine period.
“They are our partners in the development of the swine industry and in ensuring food security. The project will also help establish the market for locally-produced hogs,” he said.
AHRANO president Ric Lauron said the project would serve as a venue to increase the livelihood opportunities for the local associations and their members.
During the program, the newly elected officers of the Bago Hog Raisers Association, led by chairman Sergio Piansay, took their oath of office before the governor.
“It is very important that hog raisers are organized so it will be easy for the government to extend support services to them,” Lacson said.
The AHRANO, which is being supervised by the Provincial Veterinary Office, has 15,000 individual members from various towns and cities in the province.
Last March, the provincial government also unveiled the ₱1.045-million Swine Artificial Insemination Laboratory Center in Barangay Gahit, EB Magalona town to improve livestock quality and increase the productivity of swine raisers in the third district of the province. (Erwin Nicavera)
