The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has awarded a PHP 3 million modern hog facility to an agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organization (ARBO) in Isabela to enhance recovery and productivity.
In a news release on Wednesday, DAR announced that the grant was awarded to the North Diversion Canal (NDC) 8 Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Sitio Cagurungan, Barangay Eden. The funds will be used to establish an 80-head capacity finisher operation facility featuring an innovative pen design, as part of the DA’s Swine Industry Recovery Program (SIRP).
“Funded through the DA-National Livestock Program, the project aims to help local farmers, particularly the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), recover from recent industry challenges by modernizing swine production and strengthening livelihood opportunities,” the release stated.
DAR emphasized that the modern facility would empower ARBs in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to boost local food security and revive the regional swine industry, which has been severely affected by African swine fever outbreaks.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting ARBs and improving rural economies through sustainable and modern agri-livelihoods. Members of NDC 8 expressed optimism about the project, stating that it would also help revitalize the local agribusiness sector.