DA to import gilts for swine repopulation

The government is spending over P460 million to import nearly 3,000 gilts as part of its efforts to repopulate the domestic pig population decimated by African swine fever and boost pork supply.

- Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allocating P461.62 million for the importation of purebred gilts to be included in packages that will be distributed to eligible beneficiaries that include private farms, local government units and farmers cooperatives and associations.

Of the total budget, P405 million is allocated for the supply and delivery of 2,700 heads of imported purebred registered large white gilts. The remaining P56.62 million will be used for the importation of 298 heads of imported purebred registered berkshire gilts.

The DA has already invited prospective bidders for the procurement, with tenders scheduled to be opened on May 19.

The DA noted that the budget for the procurement and importation comes from the 2024 funds of the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) overseen by the Bureau of Animal Industry.