Livestock multiplier farm project in ISAT-U Leon Campus gets green light

The establishment of the multiplier farm for native pig and goat worth ₱2.56 million in Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Leon Campus is set to commence this year following the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held on March 9, 2021.

With a ₱1.35-million funding from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Western Visayas’ Livestock Program and the ₱1.21-million counterpart budget of ISAT-U, this multiplier farm project targets to intensify the production of quality breeder stocks for native pigs and goats.

Livestock program head Glenn Mariano said, “aside from producing quality animal stocks to aid the university’s research and extension activities, we also hope to disperse native pigs and goats to benefit the farming community in Leon.”

Pending the submission of all documentary requirements, the DA will be transferring the appropriated allocation to the SUC which will cover the procurement of stocks, the establishment of pasture and housing facilities, purchase of tools and equipment, feeds, veterinary drugs, and biologics.

ISAT-U will shoulder the salary of the three laborers in the initial six-month farm operation, and will provide the appropriate project care and maintenance.

Mariano said 30 goats (26 does and 4 bucks) and 12 swine stocks (10 gilts and 2 boars) will be reared using smart and organic production technologies.

“The multiplier farm will be put up within the school’s agro forestry demo farm. Around 2,000 square meter-area will be allotted for goat raising and 3,350 square meters for swine production,” Mariano added.

Driven to optimize the agency and university’s collaboration for livestock development in the province, DA’s OIC Regional Executive Director Dr. Peter Sobrevega and ISAT-U president Dr. Raul Muyong inked the MOA for the multiplier farm project in the school’s campus in La Paz.

The signing was witnessed by Mariano, Livestock Program agriculturist Wilmer Dela Cerna, and ISAT-U Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo Ambut.

The local agriculture office in Leon, on the other hand, is tasked to provide necessary technical assistance to qualified farmer recipients of the livestock dispersal project once the multiplier farm will go on full swing. (Story by Sheila Mae H. Toreno/Photos by Jerem V. De Guzman/ DA-RAFIS 6)