AID FOR SWINE RAISERS. The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13), represented by Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega (4th from right), releases to the local government unit of Cortes, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday (May 11, 2021) a P785,000 indemnification fund for 16 swine raisers in Barangay Matho. The beneficiaries were affected by an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in November last year. (Photo courtesy of DA-13 Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – Around 61 households raising swine but hit by the African swine fever (ASF) in November last year in Barangay Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur have received indemnification from the Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13).
In a statement Wednesday, the DA-13 said the indemnification fund amounting to PHP785,000 was formally handed over to the local government unit (LGU) of Cortes on Tuesday.
“The amount will cover the 157 pigs culled during the conduct of depopulation in November last year. Barangay Matho is the first area in the region with a reported case of ASF,” the DA-13 said.
The turnover of the indemnification fund was led by DA-13 Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega.
Aside from the financial aid, each of the affected swine raisers also received 10 heads of chicken for them to start their backyard poultry raising projects.
“The agency will be giving additional 20 heads more to the affected swine raisers of Barangay Matho. DA-13 is also looking into other possible support to help revive the livestock industry here in Cortes,” Atega said in the statement.
Cortes Mayor Josie Bonifacio received the indemnification fund and thanked the DA-13 for keeping its commitment to provide the cash assistance to help the affected swine raisers get back up from the setback.
The distribution on Tuesday was also witnessed by representatives of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in Caraga Region and the central office. (PNA)
