PVO, PUP-Lopez team up to disperse native pigs

By Rowena T. Cruz Dr. Milcah Valente, head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Division, speaks to farmers during a seminar on native p...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Dr. Milcah Valente, head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Division, speaks to farmers during a seminar on native pig management. (OPV)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Faced with the devastating impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) that has resulted in the culling of thousands of pigs and significant economic losses for local farmers, Quezon province is turning to a resilient solution: its native pig breed. The Quezon Provincial Veterinarian's Office (PVO) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) - Lopez Campus have teamed up to distribute this hardy "Q-Black" breed, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable local pork industry.

To help the province recover from a series of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks that have plagued several towns over the past few years, the Quezon Native Pig Development Project was launched. This key initiative provides residents with alternative livelihoods while establishing a sustainable breeding program for the Q-Black native pig.



In 2020, for instance, the towns of General Luna and Macalelon recorded confirmed cases, prompting the provincial government to implement pre-emptive culling measures. This response was part of a larger effort to contain the highly contagious disease, which at the time was attributed to practices like swill feeding and the illegal movement of infected animals.

The PVO, led by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Flomella Caguicla, had been on high alert, conducting monitoring and surveillance to prevent further spread. The history of ASF-related losses underscores the critical need for resilient breeds and improved biosecurity measures that the new project aims to address.

The Q-Black is a local breed distinguished by its black coat, hardiness, and natural resistance to diseases that have recently plagued the swine industry, such as African Swine Fever (ASF). Its meat is also prized for its quality and distinct flavor, making it a valuable asset for local farmers.

Designed to create a ripple effect, the PVO's program is providing breeder pigs to local cooperatives and academic institutions like PUP-Lopez. The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian successfully distributed native pigs on August 12, 2025, to the Palcon Dairy Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Sariaya, Quezon, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Lopez Campus.

This initiative not only gives farmers a new source of income, but also establishes "multiplier farms" to ensure the continued propagation of the Q-Black breed. The activity was led by Dr. Milcah I. Valente, head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Division, along with Mona Lisa Gragasin.

As part of the project, a lecture-seminar was also conducted to discuss the proper way of caring for and managing native pigs to maintain their health, productivity, and preservation. In addition, the office also distributed forage seedlings and vitamins for the animals.

The project's significance was underscored by Dr. Milcah I. Valente. "This is a strategic move to secure our local food source and empower our farmers," she said. "We are not just distributing animals; we are providing them with the knowledge and skills they need for sustainable and profitable livelihoods, building a more resilient livestock industry that can withstand future challenges and ensure food security for all Quezonians."

This technical support is essential for the success of the project, as it empowers farmers to raise the pigs sustainably and profitably. The native pigs' ability to thrive on locally sourced, natural feeds makes them a low-input alternative to commercial breeds, a significant advantage for small-scale farmers.

Dr. Valente added, "The Q-Black breed's ability to thrive on natural, locally sourced feeds is a game-changer for our small-scale farmers. It's not just a low-cost alternative; it's a testament to the resilience of our native resources."

The Quezon Native Pig Development Project is more than a short-term response to a crisis; it is a long-term investment in the province's future. This collaborative effort empowers local farmers with the tools and knowledge to cultivate a native, resilient breed, laying the groundwork for a truly sustainable food system that promises economic stability and food security for generations to come.