The Institute of Animal Science held the inaugural Swine Day @ IAS last 27 February 2023 at the Animal Science Lecture Hall, UPLB. The main purpose of this activity is to help small-scale swine entrepreneurs around UPLB in the repopulation of their drove and to continue “weaning” against African Swine Fever (ASF).

The program featured highly regarded resource speakers who focus on current situations and issues facing small hold farmers.

To kickstart the first session, Dr. Ronilo O. De Castro (SRS, DOST PCAARRD) presented the Swine Road Map for 2022-2026: Its importance and impact on small hold farmers. This was followed by the presentation of Dr. Mary Grace M. Bustamante (Provincial Veterinarian, Laguna) who discussed the current ASF outbreak situation and repopulation efforts in the Philippines and the Province of Laguna. The PVO’s active role and its assistance to small hold farmers were also mentioned in her discussion.

During the afternoon session, Dr. Angel C. Manabat (President of the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners) talked about the control and management of ASF via biosecurity measures and their application to small hold farmers. Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo (Director of the Institute of Animal Science) also presented the swine nutrition suited for small-hold piggery farms. Lastly, Dr. Daphne A. Licuan (Team Leader, PIC Philippines Boar Stud) discussed swine semen handling, shipment, and insemination, including pre- and post-breeding management activities suited for small hold farmers.

A total of 206 individuals attended the 1^st Swine Day @ IAS where: 73 local farmers from the municipalities of Calamba (28), Los Baños (21), Bay (11), and Victoria (13), Laguna, along with their municipal agriculture officers and city veterinary officers; 99 students; 6 product exhibitors; 3 guests; and 25 IAS faculty and staff participated. The Institute and the event organizers are sincerely grateful to the sponsors: PIC Philippines, Inc., Philchema, Inc., Sunjin Philippines Corporation, VIV’s Farm Trading, and DENR CENRO Sta. Cruz, Laguna for making Swine Day @ IAS possible.