KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE — In its efforts to spur agricultural development in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over various agricultural interventions worth P8,853,424.34 to the Municipality of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, on April 22, in Barangay Rebucon, this town.
During the turnover ceremony, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the 2,000-square meter biosecure swine facility worth P5,903,582.34 to Kolambugan mayor Allan M. Omamos with Municipal Agriculturist Romeo Z. Villame.
The climate-controlled, biosecure facility houses 20 pigpens, able to accommodate up to 300 pigs, each equipped with a self-feeder and watering mechanisms.
Said facility also features end-to-end industrial exhaust fans and cooling pads for optimal airflow, manually operated laminated curtain walls, waste management features, and is inclusive of office, storage, shower, and toilet facilities.
According to RTD Madriaga, the facility is a manifestation of the agency’s thrust to modernize and enhance the capacity of the local swine industry to produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork, and foster a sustainable and self-sufficient approach for swine production in the area.
Further, Madriaga said that the infrastructure forms part of the agency’s support for livestock and swine production through its Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, of which DA-10 has allocated P10 million for the provision of the swine facility together with other components such as pig stock, feeds, and drugs and biologics to supplement the swine facility.
Meanwhile, DA-10 has also turned over one farm tractor worth P2,949,572, funded under the agency’s Corn Program.
Said farm tractor features a four-wheel drive and a 90-horsepower engine, and also includes a package of implements such as a disc plow, harrow, and trailer.
Conveying his thanks, Mayor Omamos said that the turned over agricultural interventions will greatly benefit their town’s production and increase their income.
“On behalf of the Local Government of Kolambugan, I would like to express our gratitude for having been chosen as a recipient of these interventions from the DA. We are optimistic that this INSPIRE biosecure swine facility will enhance the town’s production of swine and increase the municipality’s economic productivity,” the local chief executive said.
He added that the facility and farming machinery turned over also aid the LGU’s strategies to lessen unemployment and encourage local producers to strive toward higher yields and income from farming.
Likewise, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, through Acting Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Jalandoni B. Pitiilan, signified its gratitude to the Department, and has committed its usual support for the agricultural development of Kolambugan.
Also present in support of the ceremony were Barangay Rebucon Punong Barangay Emilio C. Tumala, Barangay Committee on Agriculture chairperson Ruben Martinez, Iligan City Focal Consultant on Agriculture Kevin R. Fernan, industry partners and stakeholders, and staff from the municipal and provincial government, and DA-10.
