Resiliency of the native pig industry
THROUGH THE YEARS, the country’s native pig industry has been affected by varied factors.
However, due to the resiliency of the industry stakeholders, they have that ineffable quality which allowed them to overcome different challenges and gave them the opportunity to bounce back stronger, wiser, and adaptable to modern technologies.
In highlighting the potentials of the native pig industry, the Philippine Native Pig Owners Network Association, Inc. (PNPONAI) recently held the October Black Feast 2018 at the Teofely Gardens Wedding and Events Venue in Silang, Cavite.
PNPONAI president Maximillan “Ian” B. Cabriga said the event was successfully conducted in partnership with the local government of Silang, Cavite, together with the different government line agencies like the Department of Agriculture, and private institutions.
During the event, Cabriga said the native pig industry has a lot of potentials that need to be tapped in order to generate business prospects, at the same time, provide employment opportunities for the small players.
Cabriga said the event was also organized to connect the farmers with the various government agencies for them to avail of programs that may help them in their organic farm projects.
He says the activity likewise aims to help or motivate the farmers to become “agripreneurs” or “farmpreneurs.”
As one of the guest speakers, Dr. Synan S. Baguio of the Livestock Research Division of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) emphasized the importance of the native pig industry.
He says native animals are considered as an important component of most agricultural production system in the rural areas.
“They augment food supplies, provide high quality protein food, and source of livelihood. One of these animals, which are common in the Philippines, is the native pig,” he pointed out.
Baguio says native pig offers so much importance in terms of providing additional income, high-quality protein food, and socio-cultural and economic services, particularly during cultural celebrations and ceremonies.
The DOST-PCAARRD has been supportingR&D initiatives through its Industry Strategic Science and Technology (S&T) Program (ISP) for Swine.
Baguio says the program aims to address the current problems by developing technologies and systems that are expected to improve the productivity and production efficiency.
Other important characteristics of the native pig include its adaptability to local environment conditions, apparent resistance to diseases, and the unique texture and taste of its meat.