Laoag City—The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) continues its animal dispersal program to sustain income-generating opportunities for livestock raisers, especially at this time of the pandemic.
On July 21, 2020, the Provincial Veterinary Office spearheaded the dispersal of 33 native piglets to three women organizations: Rural Improvement Clubs of Brgy. Sto. Tomas and Brgy. San Jose in Vintar, and Brgy. Bato in Badoc.
Each organization received one male and ten female piglets, along with electrolytes, deworming medications, and vitamins.
"Ito ay tulong sa mga kababaihan. Ipapahiram natin ang mga baboy sa loob ng dalawang taon. Pagkatapos nito, ibabalik nila sa provincial government ang dalawang anak ng mga baboy. Ito ang ipamimigay natin ulit sa mga ibang organisasyon," animal dispersal coordinator Mark Patrick Cortez explained the rationale of the program.
Since 2010, PGIN has dispersed around 28,700 farm animals to almost 11,000 recipients. Also, 473 livestock were re-dispersed to 310 recipients.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte has maintained its “ASF-free” status since its outbreak in Luzon. The presence of COVID-19 checkpoints during the lockdown helped in the strict monitoring of entry of swine products in the province.
"Madami pa tayong ipamimigay. May mga susunod pangswine dispersal kaso ongoing pa ang validation ng mgarequests," Mr. Cortez added.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc also extended his message to recipients, saying, "Sana makatulong po ito sa inyo. Alam ko na talagang mahirap itong COVID-19 para sa ating lahat. We continue to find ways on how to help and support all the demographics in our province." (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)