THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has distributed 215 heads of breeder piglets and other support amounting to almost P2.3 million to raisers and paravets of six local government units (LGUs) in Fifth District.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the activity held at the Binalbagan Covered Court in the southern Negros Occidental town Wedneday, October 21, said the province intends to help more beneficiaries to ensure food security and sustainable development.

The recipient-raisers are from the towns of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan and Hinigaran and Himamaylan City.

Aside from them, members of the Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (Ahrano) also availed of the livelihood project, which is part of the Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Program (Pagip).

The project intends to help secure the income of the local swine breeders to lessen the adverse effects of the prevailing pandemic. Also, to augment the livelihood and local employment opportunities within the community.

Aside from the breeder piglets, the Provincial Veterinary Office also distributed veterinary drugs, supplies and biologics worth P500,000 and financial assistance to paravets in the district amounting to P750,000.

The governor also visited the integrated Agri-aqua livestock farm located at Batangay Enclaro still in Binalbagan.

Also present in the activity were Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, Mayors Raymund Tongson Jr. of Himamaylan City, Alejandro Mirasol of Binalbagan, Irene Montilla of Isabela and Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran, among other local officials. (With reports from Capitol)