The Department of Agriculture XI, with Agriculture Training Institute, turned over the certificate of commitment of the implementation of Swine Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm Project to City Mayor Al David T. Uy and the certificate of commitment for the implementation of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program, a Biosecure and Climate Controlled Piggery Facility, to COSTAFBA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative at Barangay Sta. Cruz Gym, Talikud Island on April 29, 2022.

The ceremony was graced by Senator Christopher Laurence "Bong" Go, who congratulated the city for receiving the certifications and gave hope to the affected farmers to restart their livelihood. He also gave wheelchairs to the elderlies, phones for the students, bicycles, and men's and women's shoes.

Mayor Uy heartily thanked the DA for the opportunity given to the Samaleños especially to Talikud Island, which was greatly affected by the ASF. "Ang dakong pasalamat gayud sa Island Garden City of Samal sa Department of Agriculture and, of course, kay President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through Senator Kuya Bong Go sa gihatag gyud niya na tabang diri sa atoa sa isla sa Samal labi na diri sa isla sa Talikud. Karun nakita gyud nato na ang Talikud, mismo ang presidente nato ug ang senador, wa gyud gitalikdan ang Talikud Island, gitabangan gayud," he said.

The certificates of commitment will serve as the tickets for the city to apply for and obtain the construction of both hog-repopulation buildings. However, there is the need to comply with the necessary requirements, which the city is now preparing through the City Veterinary Office, headed by Dr. Edunel Sala. Specifically, the INSPIRE requires the beneficiaries to be members of an accredited Farmer's Cooperative Association, in which the COSTAFBA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative qualifies.

If favored, the INSPIRE will be constructed in Brgy. Cogon, Talikud Island. On the other hand, the Swine Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm will be constructed on the mainland of the island.

DA USec Christine Y. Evangelista, DA RFO XI Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, ATI XI Director Dante G. Esguerra, National Livestock Program Director Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco, and Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman also attended the notable ceremony. (IGACOS-CIO/Writer: Novy Creta/Photos: Christian Juntong)