DA provides custom-built trucks to boost Caraga hog industry
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY — In a significant step toward strengthening Caraga’s hog industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Caraga region turned over nine customized hauling trucks to nine farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) under the Livestock Program in Taguibo, Butuan City.
Each cooperative received a hauling truck valued at P2.9 million, forming part of a P27 million initiative of the program, to provide hog raisers with modern, efficient and safer transport for their livestock. This support ensures lower transport costs, reduced animal stress and minimized losses, ultimately leading to higher profits and improved livelihoods for local farmers.
Josefina Makiling, chairperson of the Buenas Agong-ong Active Farmers Association, Inc. of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, expressed gratitude for the new hauling truck, emphasizing its impact on their cooperative.
“This is a game-changer for us. Before, we struggled with costly and unreliable transport for our hogs that affected our earnings. Now, with this modern truck, we can ensure safe and efficient delivery, reducing losses and increasing our income,” Makiling said.
She highlighted how the truck will improve the profitability of their hog production and also create opportunities for expansion that will benefit all members of their cooperative. “With this support from DA Caraga, we can now focus on growing our business, reaching more markets and ensuring a stable income for our farmers,” she added.
The nine FCAs that received the hauling trucks include the Buenas Agong-ong Active Farmers Association, Inc. in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Kahugpungan sa Katawhan sa Subait Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KKS-MPC) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Farmers Alternative Self-Reliance MPC (FASRMCO) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; San Francisco Farmers Producers Cooperative in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Kangyat Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; Brgy. Wangke Hog Raisers Association in Claver, Surigao del Norte; Tandag City Livestock and Poultry Agriculture Cooperative in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; Magroyong Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur; and Tigao Farmers Development Cooperative in Cortes, Surigao del Sur.
These progressive cooperatives have been part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Project since 2022. Their commitment to expanding hog production and ensuring food security has been instrumental in Caraga’s agricultural growth.
During the turnover ceremony, DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen emphasized the importance of supporting local hog farmers to ensure a stable meat supply and a stronger agricultural economy in the region.
“The hauling trucks are expected to reduce logistical bottlenecks, increase efficiency and create more economic opportunities for Caraga’s hog raisers,” Mangelen said.
With this tangible assistance, DA Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to empowering livestock farmers, equipping them with modern resources to enhance productivity and resilience in the industry. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
