THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental has allotted almost P40-million worth of development projects aimed to further strengthen the province's livestock and poultry industry.
The amount is part of the P393-million Provincial Development Fund for 2018, comprising six priority programs and projects under the PVO.
These are the P10-million agro-tourism development for the Negros First Ranch in Murcia town; P7 million for expansion of multiplier farms; and P6 million for the implementation of Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Program.
Others include the P6-million free-range chicken farm and hatchery development fund, P5 million for the establishment and operations of artificial insemination (AI) centers, and P5 million for upgrading and procurement of farm facilities.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said on February 18 that the P40-million worth of development projects up for implementation this year will greatly benefit the local livestock and poultry industry.
He said these will contribute to the sustainability of animal development sector through the provision of appropriate technologies to raisers and partner-organizations..
"These interventions are also geared at providing marketing and infrastructure support to boost animal resiliency amid climate change," he added.
The Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Program, which complements the Negros First Animal Livelihood Program, seeks to improve the genetic makeup of the local livestock stocks through AI and infusion of breeder stocks.
The PVO is also been banking on the establishment and expansion of multiplier farms in different cities and municipalities in the province.
These facilities used for breeding and production of quality stocks capacitate local government units (LGUs) in their respective livestock and poultry development initiatives.
Decena said portion of the development fund appropriated through a supplemental budget approved by the Provincial Board earlier this month will also be used to construct four additional animal rescue centers.
The establishment of breeding and auction centers, meanwhile, will complement to the province's initiative in building the Negros First Animal Hub at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
"We are now working on completing the construction of animal hub, including its bleachers and pens in time for the Silver Panaad sa Negros Festival in April," Decena added. (With reports from PNA)