By Cyrus A. Natividad

Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. delivers a message during the inauguration of CPU ARUGA Integrated Farming System Learning Site at Sta Barbara, Iloilo.

On August 4, 2023, Friday, CPU-ARUGA Integrated Farming System Learning Site inaugurated its 30 –SOW Level Swine Multiplier and Techno Demo Farm Project – under the INSPIRE Program of the National Livestock Program (NLP) at Brgy. Talongadian, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

A short program was held at 8 A.M. with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony attended by Department of Agriculture National Livestock Program Director Ruth S. Miclat Sonaco DVSA, Dr. Remelyn Ricoter, MNSA, CESO III, Director 4- DA ATI; Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia DARFQ VI; Hon. Michel B. Gorriceta, Cong. 2nd District of Iloilo, Hon. Arthur ‘Toto’ Defensor, Jr. Governor Iloilo Province; Hon. Dennis S. Superficial, M.D. Municipal Mayor of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; Darel B. Tabuada, DVM – Provincial Veterinarian, Province of Iloilo and Mr. Larry P. Nacionales- President, CPU ARUGA.

A prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem by the CPU-ARUGA Santa Barbara followed. ATI-RTC IV NLP Focal Person Mary Ann A. Ramos acknowledged the guests.
The invited officials of Sta. Barbara and Iloilo Province delivered their Messages of Support. The speakers expressed gratitude for the beneficial program endeavoured by members of CPU ARUGA. “The program will not only operate within Sta. Barbara, but throughout Iloilo and recipient municipalities, who have the capability and resources to integrate the swine dispersal project. This will be implemented with the support of the local and national government.”
Mr. Allan A. Sulleza gave his closing remarks.

The CPU-ARUGA Swine Dispersal Project and other integrated Agro-industrial programs are upshots of the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences alumni initiatives and agricultural extensions to farmers and the agriculture industry.