January 14, 2026

Ilocos Norte, Philippines, provides over US$67,524 in livestock and supplies to 550 farmers

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, distributed over ₱4 million (US$67,524) in livestock and supplies to 550 farmers on January 5, as part of its ongoing support for local agricultural livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, from towns including Badoc, Currimao, Marcos, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Solsona, and Laoag City, received 100 goats, 3,200 free-range chickens, 80 bags of broiler feed, 130 piglets, and 130 bags of hog starter at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center.

Farmers were selected based on requests submitted through the provincial government's "Agri Ka Dito" hotline, which allows those affected by high agricultural input costs to apply for support.

Before receiving the animals, beneficiaries underwent basic livestock-raising training conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office.

The programme also encourages recipients to return a portion of offspring to be passed on to other farmers in the province.

"This is a big help to our farmers to increase their income," provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela said, adding livestock-raising serves as an alternative livelihood for farmers, particularly those who were previously affected by the African swine fever.

Goat and poultry farming are being promoted as alternative livelihood options.

- PNA