The swine industry continues to face persistent challenges of low productivity, limited genetic improvement, and the increasing demand for sustainable pork production systems. Native pig raisers in rural communities often encounter difficulties in improving herd quality and maintaining consistent production performance.
In response to these concerns, the Livestock Research Division (LRD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted the training, on “Optimizing Native Pig Production Through Systematic Breeding and Selection Strategies” on April 14–15, 2026 at Batanes State College.
The training aimed to equip farmers, livestock technicians, and agricultural stakeholders with practical knowledge and skills on proper breeding management, genetic selection, sustainable native pig production practices, and biosecurity. Through the adoption of systematic breeding and selection strategies, participants are expected to enhance the productivity, adaptability, and profitability of native pig farming while preserving valuable local genetic resources.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Warlito M. Tomas, Jr., BASC Assistant Professor I, emphasized the importance of the training in providing the local community of Batanes with adequate knowledge and skills on native pig production. Moreover, Dr. Ronilo O. De Castro, Supervising Science Research Specialist of LRD-PCAARRD, discussed the rationale behind the training and expressed his hope that by the end of the program, the participants would be able to apply and adopt the knowledge and insights shared by the different resource speakers.
During the training, Ms. Glenda P. Fule, Science Research Specialist II of LRD-PCAARRD, discussed and presented the market and income potential of engaging in native pig production. Her topic was intentionally scheduled as the first presentation to provide the participants with a positive outlook throughout the training, as it highlighted the promising economic opportunities and income potential associated with native pig production.
The following resource persons discussed these topics:
- Ms. Joeauna Larga–Loto, former project staff of the Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) on Native Pig in Marinduque State College, discussed the “Overview of the Native Pig Industry in Marinduque: Markaduke Research and Development Center (MRDC) Context” and “Production and management of native pigs.”
- Dr. Synan Baguio, Director of LRD-PCAARRD, shared his valuable knowledge in “Native pig conservation, improvement, and profitable utilization.”
- Mr. Jorge Michael D. Dominguez, Assistant Professor Institute of Animal Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños discussed his insights regarding “Selection, breeding, and reproduction of native pigs.”
- Dr. Ronilo O. De Castro discussed the “Nutrition, biosecurity, and health care management of native pigs.”
Participants engaged in discussions that allowed them to assess current farm practices, breeding management, and formulate practical interventions suited to local conditions. The initiative highlighted the commitment of LRD-PCAARRD in strengthening the native swine industry through science-based and sustainable livestock development strategies.