Naujan, Oriental Mindoro – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in the MIMAROPA region announced Wednesday a call for applicants for the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) – Component 2, aimed at revitalizing the local pig farming sector.

The project offers two funding packages: Package A worth PHP1.5 million pesos for a 40-head capacity operation, and Package B worth PHP3 million pesos for an 80-head capacity farm.

Funds may cover housing and facilities, piglets, feeds for four months, medicine and biologics, and insurance premiums.

Eligible applicants include farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and individual farmers classified as “Magsasakang Siyentista” (Farmer Scientists).

The SIRP aims to showcase innovative pig pen designs that are both animal and environmentally friendly while maximizing waste management and utilization.

“This program is crucial for rebuilding our swine industry after recent ASF outbreak,” said Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, Center Director of ATI-RTC MIMAROPA. “We’re looking for committed partners to implement these sustainable farming practices.”

Key qualifications for applicants include:

• The project site must be in a municipality with an existing African Swine Fever (ASF) ordinance or executive order.
• Locations should have acceptable road access, power, and water supply.
• Compliance with local land use ordinances and Biosecurity Level 1 requirements is mandatory.
• A minimum land area of 200 square meters is required.

For farmer cooperatives and associations, at least 15 members must be registered with national farmer databases, with half having swine-raising experience. All applicants must demonstrate prior experience in managing swine enterprises.

The project aligns with the Philippine government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) campaign, emphasizing agricultural development and food security.

Interested parties are required to submit a letter of intent to the ATI-RTC MIMAROPA office in Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Applications can be sent via email to [email protected] or submitted in person.

Applicants must be accredited or registered with relevant government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, or Department of Agriculture.