Guiding Hog Farmers in the Visayas After the Earthquake: Recovery and Strengthening Livelihoods
The recent devastating earthquake that struck the Visayas region has brought significant challenges to hog farmers, deeply affecting livestock welfare, farm infrastructure, and feed supply. As the exclusive distributor of Purina Feeds in the Central Visayas, Uybontiong Agriventures extends support to rebuild and strengthen hog farming operations to be resilient not only to earthquakes but to future calamities like typhoons.
Immediate Steps for Hog Farmers Post-Earthquake
- Animal Safety Check and Care
- Assess all hogs for injuries, stress, or signs of illness caused by the earthquake.
- Provide first aid where possible and isolate affected animals for care.
- Secure feed and clean water to maintain nutrition and hydration amid supply disruptions.
- Infrastructure Inspection
- Examine hog houses, fencing, water troughs and water sources, and feeding equipment for damage.
- Avoid using damaged structures until safety is verified to prevent further harm.
- Remove debris and hazards that could injure animals or staff.
- Feed Supply Management
- Immediately communicate feed needs to your Purina distributor to ensure a steady supply.
- Inspect feed storage for contamination or spoilage; preserve feed quality during disruptions.
- Plan for emergency feed reserves to cover shortages during recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Support
Uybontiong Agriventures, in partnership with Purina Feeds, will assist farmers by facilitating access to quality nutrition products essential for hog health and growth during recovery. Alongside feed support, farmers will receive:
- Guidance on repairing and reinforcing farm structures to withstand future earthquakes.
- Training on disaster preparedness, animal welfare, and farm biosecurity.
- Access to veterinary and nutritional expertise to mitigate stress and disease risks.
Building Resilience Against Future Disasters
To protect hog farming livelihoods and sustain productivity, farmers are encouraged to adopt these strategies:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Strengthen barns and feeding systems using earthquake-resistant designs and materials.
- Disaster Preparedness Plans: Develop farm-specific emergency plans covering evacuation routes, animal safety protocols, and communication lines.
- Diversified Feed Reserves: Maintain an emergency stockpile of Purina feeds suited for various growth stages and health needs.
- Insurance and Financial Assistance: Explore indemnification programs, government relief funds, and loans aimed at disaster recovery. Check on the government’s SURE Program.
- Community Collaboration: Form farmer groups to share resources, information, and support during disasters and recovery periods.
Purina’s Commitment to Hog Farmers
Purina is committed to supporting the agricultural community through innovation and compassionate service. The recent experiences at Purina’s Animal Nutrition Center highlight the resilience needed in calamity recovery. Purina continuously develops feed products that enhance animal health, ensuring nutritional needs are met even under challenging conditions.
Uybontiong Agriventures will serve as the reliable link to bring these resources and knowledge directly to hog farmers affected by the earthquake. Together, we aim to rebuild stronger, more resilient farms that can thrive despite natural disasters.
This guide is a pathway for immediate relief and long-term strength for hog farmers in the Visayas, pairing Purina’s expertise and Uybontiong Agriventures’ local support to restore and uplift Philippine hog farming livelihoods facing natural calamities like earthquakes and typhoons.
