BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is partnering with 10 local government units (LGUs) to boost the local animal genetic improvement program.
Dr. Renante Decena, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), said on Monday the initiative will focus on the implementation of Swine Artificial Insemination (AI) and Laboratory Center project among recipient-localities.
The first facility was inaugurated in Cadiz City last month.
The AI centers in Himamaylan City, Candoni and E.B. Magalona towns are under construction.
Other partner-LGUs include Bago City, Escalante City and Sagay City through the Northern Negros State College and Science and Technology as well as Calatrava, Cauayan, and Moises Padilla towns through the Central Philippines State University.
The swine AI and laboratory centers are established by the provincial government, but will be directly managed by the LGUs.
A total of four centers are expected to open this year, including the one in Cadiz City.
Private stakeholders such as Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company and Pigrolac Feeds have extended support to the project.
Decena said the two entities are committed to augment the center’s operation by providing additional 10 heads of boar, semen refrigerator and other AI paraphernalia, such as catheters and semen extenders for free.
The project is being implemented under the PVO’s Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Program (Pagip) which aims to boost livestock production as a major industry of the province.
“This will contribute to the promotion and enhancement of agriculture and food through swine production under the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda of the provincial government,” Decena said.
For its part, the Poultry and Livestock Association of Negros Occidental will support the PVO and LGUs by ensuring wide coverage and substantial number of clients served by the AI facility.
“This will be done by mobilizing and encouraging members and technicians to perform AI in their respective service areas,” Decena said. (With a report from PNA/PN)