DA panel probes hog program implementation

MANILA, Philippines — A fact-finding investigation committee has been formed by the Department of Agriculture to determine if the DA’s hog repopulation program was implemented properly in three regions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Special Order 903 creating the special fact-finding group, which will determine all facts and circumstances related to results of an audit conducted by the DA internal audit service.

The audit covered the implementation of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion or INSPIRE program in Ilocos, Central Luzon and Calabarzon from 2021 to 2023.

He told The STAR that the DA intends to “assess” the effectiveness of the INSPIRE program and if it was really implemented in these regions.

INSPIRE was a flagship program of the previous DA leadership to revitalize the domestic hog industry, which has been crippled by African swine fever.

The fact-finding body will determine the presence of a prima facie case that will warrant the filing of charges, upon approval by Tiu Laurel.

It was given until middle of July to submit its findings and recommendations to the DA chief.

The committee is chaired by DA Assistant Secretary for swine and poultry Michael de Joya Garcia with DA legal service director Willie Ann Angsiy as vice chair.

From 2021 to 2023, the INSPIRE program had a cumulative budget of at least P4.7 billion, based on published reports and previous statements issued by the DA.