BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government turned over P724,000 in livelihood assistance to farmers’ associations, local government units, and cooperatives in Negros Occidental on Tuesday, September 3.

GOV. Eugenio Jose Lacson leads the distribution of P724,000 livelihood assistance to farmers in Negros Occidental at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Bacolod City on Tuesday, September 3. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution of 884 poultry and livestock animals to the recipients of the Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement and Livelihood Program at the provincial capitol grounds here.
The Provincial Veterinary Office said the livelihood assistance was composed of 16 pigs (P370,000), 12 cattle (P216,000), 800 free-range chickens (P48,000), 48 ducks (P24,000), and five sheep (P90,000).
These were sourced from Negros First Ranch and another farm in La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Lacson said.
“We’re becoming self-sufficient that we don’t have to bid out if we need to disperse animals,” Lacson said in a media interview after the event.
He said the province is now producing genetically improved animals. “These are the animals we have decided we will focus on,” he added.
Lacson lauded the PVO for the endeavor and is hoping that they will be able to maintain it.
He said the animal dispersal is part of their recovery efforts from the effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF). “This is already a monthly program,” he added.
Lacson said they are closely monitoring the ASF vaccine. He is hoping that the province would be able to receive some if they will be available in Western Visayas.
“If that happens, we will just prepare our swine raisers, and prepare our staff to be able to receive the vaccine against ASF. I hope they can give it to us for free,” Lacson said.
He added that if they see that the vaccine is effective, they will consider buying for the province.