BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently gave 63 piglets to hog raisers in the province to help them cope with the adverse effects of the African Swine Fever(ASF) disease.

Arsenio Apostol, DA provincial officer said the sentinel piglets were given to backyard hog growers in the towns of Kayapa, Dupax del Norte, Bayombong, Bagabag, Bambang, Villaverde and Kasibu.

"Aside from the sentinel piglets, our hog raisers also received starter, grower, finisher feeds and vitamins for the pigs," he said.

Apostol attended the recent distribution of the assistance to hog raisers in the province by the DA Regional Office.

He said the assistance was given through the DA's Integrated National Swine Program Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) and the Barangay Bantay sa ASF (BABAY ASF).

Apostol said INSPIRE has been launched early this year by the DA to forge stronger partnerships among stakeholders and collective action to help solve the problem on ASF and facilitate recovery of the country’s hog industry.(MDCT/BME/PIA Nueva Vizcaya)