Isabela: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has granted a PHP3 million modern hog facility to an agrarian reform beneficiaries' organization (ARBO) in Isabela, aiming to boost recovery and productivity.

According to Philippines News Agency, the grant was awarded to the North Diversion Canal (NDC) 8 Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Sitio Cagurungan, Barangay Eden. The funding will be used to establish an 80-head capacity finisher operation facility that features an innovative pen design. This initiative is part of the DA's Swine Industry Recovery Program (SIRP).

The project, funded through the DA-National Livestock Program, aims to assist local farmers, particularly the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), in recovering from recent industry challenges. The focus is on modernizing swine production and strengthening livelihood opportunities for the farmers.

DAR stated that the modern facility would empower the ARBs in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to boost local food security. This comes as an effort to revive the regional swine industry, which has been severely affected by outbreaks of African swine fever.

The initiative highlights the government's commitment to supporting ARBs and enhancing rural economies through sustainable and modern agri-livelihoods. Members of the NDC 8 expressed optimism about the project, noting that it would help revitalize the local agribusiness sector.