The Philippine Swine Industry Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (PSIRDFI), better known as The Philippine Swine Foundation, announces that the popular Boar Auction will move back to the Agricultural Training Institute – International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, ATI-ITCPH, in Lipa, Batangas.
New and improved Boar Auction facilities will be constructed this year to house a modern electronic bidding system. Dubbed the Boar Auction Centrum it will be able to seat 240 persons and will feature a VIP room.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Boar Auction Centrum were held last May 11 at the ATI-ITCPH grounds. Among those present at the ceremony were Dr. Enrico P. Garzon, Jr., DA Asst Secretary-Livestock, Mr. Jimmy N. Chua, President, PSIRDFI, ATI-OIC Director Dr. Luz A. Taposok and ATI-ITCPH Center Director Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco. Also in attendance were PSRDFI members: Mr. Leonardo Tañada (Vice President), Mrs. Loretta Galang, Dr. Art Calud, Dr. Ida Reyes, Mr. Alex Reyes, Mr. Sonny Catacutan (Cargill Country Mgr), Dr. Arnold Frontuna, Mr. Dexter Pablo, Mr. Leo Apo and Ms. Tess Martinez; Swine Monitoring Ms. Kath Tamisin; representatives from ATI-ITCPH and UNIBAT. Fr. Ernie Garcia gave the invocation and the blessing of the ceremony.
Proceeds from the Boar Test and Auction support the annual Swine Production Performance Monitoring Project in the Philippines which is a joint endeavor of the Philippine Swine Foundation and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST).
Data and Statistics from the project are used to measure and gauge farm and industry performance on a year to year basis.
The late Dr. Valentino Argañosa oversaw and nurtured the growth of the project which has been ongoing for 26 years.
The successful Boar Auction has traditionally been the highlight event during INAHGEN, the International Animal Health, Genetic and Nutrition Congress.
However, INAHGEN broke up earlier this year with The Philippine Veterinary Drug Association’s (PVDA) departure from the group. Fortunately, the construction of the Boar Auction Centrum came timely as the closure of INAHGEN will not displace the Breeding Farms who test their genetics amongst the best boars in the country.
– With a report from The Philippine Swine Foundation
