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During its second-quarter meeting held virtually on June 18, 2024, the National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock (NSC on PL) pledged its support for the continuation of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program. <\/span><\/p>\n Through a policy resolution, the NSC on PL will recommend to the Congress the approval of the Department of Agriculture-National Livestock Program’s (DA-NLP) proposal for the continuous funding and implementation of INSPIRE for fiscal year 2025. The program was originally designed to run 2022 to 2024. <\/span><\/p>\n According to Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano, Director of the DA-NLP, the program’s implementation strategy starting 2024 had shifted to prioritize the distribution of breeders and gilts to boost local production and lessen pork importation. This shift, recommended by industry stakeholders, aims to accelerate the recovery of the swine breeding population. The Agricultural Training Institute-International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH) has already begun incorporating this breeder program into its operations.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Sabiniano revealed an initial allocation of 20,000 gilts per beneficiary region, with the possibility of adjustments based on specific needs. The DA-NLP is also working towards doubling the total number of gilts distributed. Dr. Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, Director of the ATI-ITCPH, identified Regions III, IV, VI, and VII as the initial beneficiaries for this crucial component. The program will involve collaboration with private sectors and cooperatives to maximize its reach.<\/span><\/p>\n